Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle United reportedly want to bring Joelinton to the Premier League from Bundesliga high-flyers Hoffenheim.
Joelinton has confirmed that he is very happy with life at Hoffenheim as reports continue to link the striker with a move to Newcastle United, while speaking to Kicker.
After spending the last two seasons on loan at Rapid Vienna in Austria, Joelinton has been a big hit at Hoffenheim in his first Bundesliga campaign.
The 22-year-old has scored 11 goals in all competitions while providing another nine assists, leading the line with pace, power and clinical finishing.
The Sun spectacularly claimed in March that Newcastle are preparing a £40 million bid for Joelinton, a fee that would see the Magpies double a transfer record they only broke in January when Miguel Almiron arrived at St James’ Park from Atlanta United.
But the highly rated Brazilian does not exactly sound like a player who is angling for a move.
“I have a contract here, whether we are in Europe or not. That has no influence,” said Joelinton, while backing the club’s decision to appoint former assistant coach Alfred Schreuder as Julian Nagelsmann’s replacement.
“I will continue to play here, with or without Champions League football. I’m very happy here and happy to play for Hoffenheim.”
It is well documented that Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez is out of contract in the summer and owner Mike Ashley should be fully aware that he will need to back the former Real Madrid boss in the transfer market to convince him to stay.
A £40 million deal for Joelinton would be a real statement but it seems the striker is more than happy where he is.
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