Steve Bruce admits Newcastle record signing Joelinton needs to score more goals

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Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce has acknowledged that Joelinton needs to start scoring more goals, The Chronicle reports.

Bruce said that Joelinton is still adjusting to the English game and he needs to be given time. But he added that the Brazilian centre-forward does need to start “chipping in” with more goals.

Newcastle smashed their transfer record to sign Joelinton from Hoffenheim this summer. He cost £40m (as per The Chronicle) but he has only scored one goal so far this season.

Bruce on Joelinton

Bruce told The Chronicle: “He is only young and he has to find his feet. He’s only 23. And I’m sure the longer it goes it will get better.

“We need him to be. If you are going to wear the number 9 shirt he’s got to chip in with a few goals. He can only improve.”

TBR’s view

Joelinton’s lack of success so far says more about the Newcastle hierarchy than the player himself. He is a young and inexperienced striker who had a decent but unspectacular record in the Bundesliga.

So far, he has not been helped out by his other team-mates. Andy Carroll and Dwight Gayle’s injuries mean Joelinton is the main striker. And with limited service, he can only do so much.

But for £40m, you do expect more. The 23-year-old does need to start scoring goals to justify that price tag. But it is the Newcastle board that decided to pay that much – not the player.