A Newcastle United ace has begun pre-season training almost two weeks before Eddie Howe is expecting him back on Tyneside, showing he is motivated for the upcoming Premier League campaign.
After a long and tiresome season, the players deserved some well-earned time off, having won the Carabao Cup in March and managed to qualify for the Champions League on the final day of the Premier League season.
Newcastle United’s first-team squad return to Tyneside for pre-season on July 7, ahead of what will be an even more gruesome and intense campaign. The return to the Champions League adds at least eight more games to their schedule, so Newcastle manager Eddie Howe will be eager to get his players up to speed early.
However, some players already appear to have returned to pre-season training, just away from Darsley Park. Sean Longstaff was spotted in pre-season training, and with his future at Newcastle looking uncertain, he may be training early to show interested clubs his work ethic and commitment to fitness.
Now, a new video has shown another Newcastle star taking part in his own early training in his home country.
Newcastle United stars Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon, Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton celebrate after scoring against Wolves.
Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Newcastle United star Joelinton begins pre-season training early
After another brilliant season dominating the midfield for Newcastle, Joelinton is clearly ready to go again. The Brazilian received lots of praise from many avenues last season due to his hard work and strength, putting fear into anyone who has to come against him. Joe Cole said he would want Joelinton in his team after seeing the way he plays in Howe’s midfield.
The Newcastle manager will always be hailed as a genius for what he did with Joelinton, a down-and-out striker turned quality midfielder after a split-second decision during a game in 2021.
Joelinton has kept his place in the starting XI ever since, and it is clear he has no intention of losing it. In a video posted by SportRecife on Instagram, Joelinton can be seen arriving to a training complex in Brazil where he is doing several training drills. This signifies that he has already begun his pre-season training ahead of July’s return to Newcastle.
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In the video, Joelinton is wearing the Sport Recife jersey, a team currently at the bottom of the Brazilian Serie A. Hopefully, his presence on the training pitch will be enough to get them their first league win of the season.
The 28-year-old made 29 Premier League appearances last season, scoring three goals and bagging four assists. He was also an integral part of Howe’s Carabao Cup campaign, playing out of his skin in the final to help the Magpies lift their first trophy since 1969.
Fears Joelinton could leave Newcastle United after PIF development
Joelinton will no doubt be very eager to get back to competitive football with Newcastle. He will join the rest of his teammates on Newcastle’s pre-season tour, starting in Glasgow before moving to Singapore and South Korea.
Two games at St James’ Park round off pre-season, but there are some minor concerns that Joelinton may not be a part of it.
Recent reports have stated that Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal are interested in signing Joelinton this summer, who moved to Newcastle for £40m in 2019. Newcastle are considering signing Atalanta’s Ederson if Joelinton does leave, but the feeling is the Brazilian is happy on Tyneside, having signed a new deal in 2024.
With the Champions League on the horizon, Newcastle’s owners must ensure they do not spoil Howe’s plans and poach one of their most relied-upon players from them this summer.
PIF are backing Newcastle in the transfer market, but they must also ensure Howe can keep his best players on Tyneside.