Newcastle United will play hardball over any of their star players as Joelinton attracts reported interest from Saudi Arabia.
Newcastle United are adamant that Joelinton will not be sold despite reported interest from the Saudi Pro League.
Recent seasons have seen the Brazilian transform from a £40million flop to one of Newcastle’s most important players. Eddie Howe remoulded Joelinton from a goal-shy striker to a commanding midfield powerhouse - with the 28-year-old now enjoying cult-hero status at St James’ Park.
Joelinton is currently recovering from a knee injury that saw him miss the final five games of the Premier League season. He penned a lucrative four-year contract extension last year - keeping him tied down until 2028.
Joelinton interest from Saudi Pro League
TBR Football claimed earlier this week that Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal are interested in a summer swoop for the midfielder. They are one of the Gulf State outfits owned by the Public Investment Fund - Newcastle’s majority shareholders.
The report suggests Al-Hilal are tempted to test United’s resolve with an audacious bid. That is despite Newcastle no longer operating under the tight PSR landscape of the previous three transfer windows.
Allan Saint-Maximin is the only player Newcastle have sold to a Saudi club and his exit fuelled a debate over associated party transactions. The Frenchman joined Al-Ahli for a modest £23million but the deal still irked Premier League rivals.
Darren Eales clear on high-profile exits
Toon CEO Darren Eales made it clear to NewcastleWorld in March that the club are in no desperate need to sell its prized assets. He said: “They're all under long-term contracts. We have no intention at all of those players being moved on. We're not under the gun or anything like that.
"We've got an ownership that is ambitious and wants the best for the club. So from that perspective, it would be crazy for us to consider it. We're striving, as a club, to be at the top table. We want our best players here. I think it shows the value of Isak that they talk about him all the time. We're not looking to move any player on."
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Eddie Howe angered by speculation
Howe was also angered by suggestions Newcastle could sell star players this summer. His comments came earlier this year amid speculation linking Tino Livramento to Manchester City.
"It is a frustration because I don't see why our players are getting linked here, there and everywhere with other clubs,” he told reporters. “I'd like to think the players are happy here.
"I'd like to think again that they're seeing us grow and develop into a team that hopefully can compete at the top end of the division. We have no divine right to do that, but I think we're going in the right direction, so yes, it's a source of frustration. But I don't let it absorb me, really."
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