Newcastle United midfielder Joelinton has now admitted that his dream is to one day return to his childhood squad Sport Recife but also as a World Cup winner with Brazil.
The 27-year-old started his career with Sport Recife in the Brazilian state of Pernambuco but left them in 2015. Joelinton emerged from the Leao’s academy to catch the attention of TSG Hoffenheim. His efforts in Germany then secured him a £40m transfer to Newcastle in 2019.
Joelinton joined Sport Recife as a youth and emerged for 12 first-team appearances in Serie A before joining Hoffenheim. The Bundesliga team took a chance on the Alianca native after he hit three goals and four assists. Joelinton made his Sport Recife debut in November 2014.
Newcastle star Joelinton reveals his Sport Recife transfer dream
It took Joelinton less than a year in the Sport Recife first-team to land a move to Europe with Hoffenheim. But his heart remains at the Ilha do Retiro and the Newcastle star hopes to one day return. The only difference Joelinton hopes is that he goes back as a World Cup winner.
Joelinton admitted to The Guardian: “I want to come back as the same Joelinton but one big difference, coming back world champion. It would be a huge achievement to return to Sport – my childhood club – as a World Cup winner.”
What Joelinton is now showing at Newcastle may see his World Cup dream become a reality with Brazil one day. The 27-year-old made his Selecao debut in June and he scored against Guinea in the friendly. Joelinton got his first competitive outing against Bolivia in September.
Joelinton could realise his World Cup dream with Brazil one day
Joelinton only failed to feature for Brazil in the October international break as the Newcastle star recovered from a hamstring injury. He would, likely, have otherwise made the Selecao’s squad but for the issue. The midfielder aggravated the issue against Burnley this September.
Magpies boss Eddie Howe introduced Joelinton in the 64th minute against the Clarets for his return to action. The Sport Recife product had missed the previous two Premier League and their two Champions League games due to injury. But Joelinton’s return lasted four minutes.
Losing Joelinton failed to prevent Newcastle from enjoying an unbeaten run that included a 4-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain. But his displays at St James’ Park under Howe have often been superb. Robbie Fowler even suggested he is the ‘perfect player for Liverpool’ this April.
Fowler’s claim came amid Joelinton helping Newcastle to qualify for the Champions League and merit his debut for Brazil. The four-cap star offered six goals and two assists through 32 Premier League appearances. He scored eight and created three from 40 in all competitions.
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