Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has admitted that Brazilian star Joelinton could leave the club this summer.
HITC revealed earlier this month that contract talks between Joelinton and Newcastle had broken down, which had put his future at the club in doubt.
Joelinton has just 18-months left on his current deal, but HITC understands that the Brazilian international wants to be made one of the highest paid players at the club – a request that Newcastle baulked at and which led directly to the talks stalling.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of the weekend’s FA Cup fourth round clash at Fulham, how confirmed that Joelinton could very well be sold in the summer.
Joe could go
Asked if Joelinton would leave, he responded: “I’m not a fortune-teller and I certainly hope that is not the case. There is a possibility that could be the case, but I don’t know.
“Eighteen months [left on a contract] is a vulnerable time for a club. The club will need to tie Joe down to a longer-term contract or there is a possibility he will be sold in the summer. That is just the reality of the situation.”
However, Howe added: “As his manager, I’m determined for him to stay. I love him as a person and a player, so that would be my wish, for him to sign a long-term contract.”
Away from Joelinton, Howe insisted that he wanted Kieran Trippier, Miguel Almiron and Callum Wilson – all of whom have been the subject of bids this month – to stay at the club.
Howe defiant over sales
“It’s been a difficult window so far for us because it’s been the first time since I’ve been manager of the club that we’ve been linked with players leaving and that creates an unsettling dynamic,” he said.
“A lot of those rumours are just rumours. Not all of it, but I’m trying to prepare for our next game and we want to keep the squad intact and we want to keep our best players.”
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