The Brazilian was announced as Newcastle United’s new signing on Tuesday.
Newcastle United announced the signing of striker Joelinton on Tuesday for a club record fee.
While officially undisclosed, the BBC report that the deal is worth as much as £40m. The Brazilian has signed a five-year contract.
Signing from Bundesliga side Hoffenheim, where he scored 11 goals and assisted nine more last term, the 22-year-old has proven he can be effective in a big European league and will now look to add a more consistent contribution to his game at the Magpies.
The player has been given the number 9 shirt, a huge honour at a club like Newcastle where legends such as Alan Shearer have made it iconic over the decades.
That will come with expectation, as will the record fee, so everyone at the club will be hoping he can hit the ground running when the new season kicks off.
Manager Steve Bruce said of the player on the official website: “The kid’s got an exciting time ahead of him. He’s a smashing young player and we’re obviously delighted to get him. It’s been going on for a little bit now, so to get him is great for everybody.”
When most clubs make a record signing it prompts an outpouring of undying adulation from supporters, but the situation at Newcastle right now is a bit trickier and it’s fair to say the announcement got a mixed reaction from some fans.
Owner Mike Ashley is not a popular man on Tyneside right now after the departure of manager Rafa Benitez, with The Chronicle reporting that some supporters’ groups are even organising boycotts of the club’s matches while he remains in charge.
The announcement of Joelinton appears to have been caught in the crossfire a little.
Some fans were undoubtedly delighted to get him over the line…
Others though refused to let it alter their opinion of the club’s ownership right now…
Joelinton will likely be shielded from much of the rancour aimed at Ashley and fans will soon enjoy his contributions if he manages to bag a few goals in the early stages of the season.
The reaction from some does show though that the depth of feeling at St James’ Park won’t be appeased by splashing the cash.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
