Newcastle United look to be beginning to plan for life without Brazilian midfielder Joelinton after contract talks broke down.
HITC Football have detailed the breakdown in negotiation between Newcastle United and Joelinton with the 27-year-old having just 18 months left on his current contract.
Since Eddie Howe pushed the Brazilian into a deeper midfielder role, Joelinton has been one of Newcastle’s most consistent players but with there being no resolution in sight over his future, a move away from St James’ Park looks to be in the offing.
As a result, contingency plans are being put in place with the Geordie side scouting some of Europe’s most promising midfielders but out of the four targets, one should stand out more than most.
Onana perfect for Newcastle midfield
Amadou Onana has been a revelation for Everton since the Belgian midfielder completed his move to Goodison Park back in the summer of 2022 from LOSC Lille for £32 million.
The 21-year-old played a vital role for the Toffees last season as they staved off relegation although the Merseyside club may not be able to repeat the trick this campaign due to the likelihood of a second points deduction being handed out to Sean Dyche’s side.
You would suspect, as a result of this, Onana and Jarrad Branthwaite, another superb talent, will be on the move in the summer as Everton bid to recoup some money to deal with their financial troubles.
We have reported that the Belgian is a target for Newcastle and the tall, physical midfielder could be exactly what the Geordie side would want in a replacement for Joelinton.
The price may well be prohibitive but if Newcastle could pull off a deal, the promising Belgian would be a revolutionary signing to take the Geordie engine room up another level.
What Onana would bring
As mentioned, the physical dominance the midfielder would offer the Geordie side would make them a nightmare to play against but the technical prowess of the 21-year-old is grossly underrated.
According to FBREF, the midfielder has made 71 progressive passes for the Toffees this season and has an 83% pass completion rate which, for a side like Everton managed by Dyche, is a brilliant statistic.
He has one goal this season and will need to improve on this return but his defensive strength makes him a real all-rounder.
It seems Dyche is a big fan of his too with the former Burnley boss full of praise for the 21-year-old when speaking to Everton TV, he said: “I thought Amadou [Onana] was terrific today, not just his goal but the ugly side of the game with his hard work and positional sense.”
A move away from Goodison Park is a certainty this summer and Newcastle have to be at the front of the queue for the midfielder.
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