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Chris Sutton has told BBC Radio 5 Live’s Tuesday Night Club that Joelinton would be “surplus to requirements” at Newcastle United if a takeover goes through in the coming days – questioning his initial signing.
Joelinton, 23, scored his second Premier League goal – his first since August – during Sunday’s 3-0 win over Sheffield United at St. James’ Park. Starting a move after Newcastle won the ball back, Joelinton tapped home.
But that is only the Brazilian’s fourth goal in all competitions for Newcastle – despite clocking up 35 appearances, costing a club-record £40million and wearing the Toon’s iconic number nine shirt.
Sutton has laid into Joelinton, questioning Newcastle’s decision to sign the Brazilian – and criticising Steve Bruce for “putting the boot in”. He claimed that if a takeover is agreed, Joelinton will be on the transfer list.
“I still don’t think it is going to happen for Joelinton,” Sutton said. “He scored one in four in Germany, he did a similar sort of ratio in Austria and then had one good season at Hoffenheim.
“I don’t see him having a long-term future at Newcastle. If there’s a takeover, I think he will be surplus to requirements.”
TBR’s view – Does Joelinton have a future at Newcastle?
Playing behind-closed-doors could benefit the Brazilian and on Sunday’s showing, it seems like he could be more free – not weighed down by the pressure of Toon supporters.
But as Sutton says, a Newcastle takeover is likely to see Joelinton drop down the pecking order. New owners will know that a new striker is crucial, one that can fire the Toon into European football.
That would see Joelinton become second or third choice – and given that he is a player that thrives off confidence, he may have to be sold.
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