The Saudi Pro League continues its push to become one of the most competitive leagues in the world. With <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/cristiano-ronaldo/">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> as the main figure, clubs are aggressively pursuing more top European talent each transfer window. In this case, the target is a Brazilian midfielder making a mark in the Premier League.



“Newcastle United star Joelinton is back on the radar for the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/saudi-pro-league">Saudi Pro League</a>, with powerful clubs now very much looking into a possible deal in the January window,” TeamTalk recently reported.



<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/joelinton/">Joelinton</a> has appeared in 20 matches this season, scoring three goals across the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and Carabao Cup. He remains a key piece in coach Eddie Howe’s plans, but that would not necessarily prevent a potential transfer.



“Newcastle would consider a permanent deal for the player, despite Howe having made it clear to the board that he does not want to weaken his squad in the New Year,” the report added. The Brazilian midfielder is under contract with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/newcastle-united/">Newcastle</a> until June 30, 2028.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/12/26175500/joelinton-1920x1080.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-612243"></figure></div><figcaption>Joelinton playing for the Brazil national team.</figcaption></figure>



This is not the first time Joelinton has attracted interest from Saudi Pro League clubs. Last summer, there was a possibility he would follow stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Riyad Mahrez, and N’Golo Kante in leaving the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/premier-league/">Premier League</a> for Asia. That move ultimately fell through, as Newcastle decided to retain one of their top players. Now that could change, with the club seemingly willing to at least consider offers.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/report-cristiano-ronaldo-to-be-joined-in-saudi-arabia-by-controversial-champions-league-winner/" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.worldsoccertalk.com%2Fwebp%2Ffull%2FWST_20251225_WST_612017_Cristiano-Ronaldo.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="A UEFA Champions League winner could be joining the Saudi Pro League, following in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo.
" title="Report: Cristiano Ronaldo to be joined in Saudi Arabia by controversial Champions League winner" publication_id="WST#/news/report-cristiano-ronaldo-to-be-joined-in-saudi-arabia-by-controversial-champions-league-winner/"></div>


<h2>Joelinton aiming for a World Cup spot with Brazil</h2>



As with all soccer stars, career decisions in this January transfer window will be heavily influenced by the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With the tournament less than six months away, no player wants to miss out.



Players who aren’t getting regular minutes at their current clubs often look for moves that increase their chances of making their national team’s 26-man roster. Even those receiving lucrative offers weigh the potential impact of a transfer on their World Cup hopes.



For Joelinton, he has been an established player at Newcastle for years and, barring anything unusual, will have enough matches in the next six months to convince <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/brazil/">Brazil</a> coach Carlo Ancelotti that he deserves a spot in the squad.



<h2>How Joelinton has fared under Ancelotti</h2>



Under the new coach, Joelinton has struggled to find his place in the national team. He was not included in Ancelotti’s first squad in June and missed the September international break due to injury. In October, he finally got a chance, staying on the bench in a friendly against South Korea and playing 33 minutes against Japan.



However, further physical setbacks kept him out of Brazil’s squad in November. That leaves a less-than-optimistic record for Joelinton: under Ancelotti, he has been called up to only one of four FIFA breaks and played just one match, coming off the bench. His upcoming career decisions could therefore be crucial in securing—or missing—a place in the 2026 World Cup.

Report: Brazil midfielder could leave Premier League to join Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi Pro League

Report: Brazil midfielder could leave Premier League to join Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi Pro League - World Soccer Talk

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Newcastle star Joelinton surprisingly looks set to sign a new contract extension with the club. The highly rated midfielder is seen as one of the more marquee players in manager Eddie Howe’s squad. Joelinton currently has just one more season remaining on his original deal signed back in 2019. The former forward initially joined the Magpies from <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/newcastle-united-tv-schedule/">Hoffenheim</a> in a deal worth around $47 million.



Although the Brazilian is a key figure at the club, Howe previously declared that talks regarding a new deal were not exactly progressing. The Magpies’ manager even <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/howe-admits-joelinton-may-have-played-final-newcastle-game-20240126-WST-485689.html">claimed</a> in January that Joelinton could very well be sold this summer.



The assertion was essentially made for two specific reasons. First of all, the player and team were far off in contract negotiations. Joelinton currently rakes in around $107,000 per week at the moment. While still a solid figure, six other <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/newcastle-united-tv-schedule/">Newcastle</a> players make more in weekly wages. 



Along with the negotiations previously at a standstill, the club is also dealing with possible Financial Fair Play (FFP) violations. Magpies CEO Darren Eales <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/newcastle-may-have-to-sell-key-players-to-ease-ffp-concerns-20240112-WST-483024.html">recently admitted</a> that the team may very well have to sell a star or two this summer to ease these concerns. With Joelinton nearly out of contract, the Brazilian emerged as one of the prospective sales in the coming months.



<h2>Brazilian star reportedly set to double his wages at Newcastle</h2>



Nevertheless, <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2024/04/09/joelinton-new-newcastle-contract-transfer-news-eddie-howe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Telegraph</a> is now reporting that Joelinton is signing a contract extension with Newcastle. Magpies brass has reportedly agreed to significantly increase the midfielder’s salary in the pending agreement. The news source claims that the Brazilian will earn similar wages as Bruno Guimaraes. The fellow midfielder currently makes about $200,000 each week.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/04/16043439/Joelinton-Newcastle-squad-1200x670-1200x670.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-500260" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div></figure>



Although Joelinton has not yet officially signed his new deal, reports that he is seemingly staying is fantastic news for the team and their fans. While the midfielder may only have three goals and four assists on the season, he is integral to the team. Tall and strong, the Brazilian is excellent in the air and breaks up play in the middle of the pitch while also providing his more offensive teammates with the ball going forward.



<h2>Joelinton deal gives Newcastle hope in rebuilding summer</h2>



Re-signing Joelinton is a positive sign for the club going into such a big summer. Newcastle execs have not exactly given fans a ton of hope heading into the transfer market. Potentially losing a star or two would negatively affect the outlook for the entire 2024/25 campaign. This would particularly be the case if the Magpies were to sell off Guimaraes and/or Alexander Isak, arguably the two most important players in the entire team.



The Joelinton deal, however, may signify that the club is not heading for major alterations this summer. The club has dealt with significant injury issues throughout the current campaign and will look to have a much more fit squad next season. Joelinton has missed Newcastle’s last 11 <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a> fixtures and may not return to the pitch before May. 



Nevertheless, team officials will hope to hold on to their stars and eventually bounce back in the standings in 2024/25. When completely healthy, the Magpies have shown that they can compete with just about anyone in the English top flight.



PHOTOS: IMAGO

New Joelinton deal gives Newcastle lift ahead of uncertain summer

Newcastle star midfielder Joelinton is signing a new deal with the club that will extend his contract into the coming years.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has claimed that star midfielder Joelinton may have played his final game for the club. The Brazilian recently underwent surgery to repair a nagging groin injury. The setback may force the midfielder to miss the remainder of the current campaign. There is, however, a slim chance that Joelinton could enter the fray once again at the end of the season.



Nevertheless, Howe admitted on Friday that the club could be forced to sell the star in the summer transfer window. Joelinton’s current contract is set to expire in June of 2025 and the club may opt to capitalize on a transfer, rather than watch the player leave for free next year.



Magpies CEO Darren Eales <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/newcastle-may-have-to-sell-key-players-to-ease-ffp-concerns-20240112-WST-483024.html">recently revealed</a> that the club will likely have to sell a key player or two this summer. The move comes down to easing Financial Fair Play (FFP) restrictions. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/newcastle-united-tv-schedule/">Newcastle</a> has spent heavily since the Saudi Arabian owners took over the team in late 2021.



<h2>Coach wants Joelinton to stay, but injury may force early final game at Newcastle</h2>



Howe addressed a series of topics in his press conference on Friday. However, the news regarding Joelinton was a crucial aspect of the conversation. The Newcastle manager claimed that he wants the midfielder to sign a new deal with the team, but the decision is not solely his.



“[Joelinton] has 18 months left on his contract so it’s a possibility he’ll be sold in the summer,” <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/av/football/68109515" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stated</a> Howe. “Again, as his manager, I’m determined for him to stay. I love him as a person and as a player, so it would be my wish that he signs a long-term contract. Of course, there is more to it than that. There’s Joe’s wishes and what he wants and before he signs a contract, he has to be entirely happy with everything and we are not at that stage yet.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/16050156/Joelinton-Newcastle-injury-1-1200x670-1200x670.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-485720" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div></figure>



Howe’s comments suggest that Joelinton may be asking for an improved contract. Despite spending freely on transfers, the Magpies still have a modest wage scale. Only three players currently make more than $125,000 per week. Joelinton is not one of these lucky players. The midfielder currently rakes in around $108,000 each week to play for Newcastle.



The Brazilian could also be looking for a move to a bigger club. While he is historically a center forward, Joelinton has recently been deployed as a central midfielder in recent seasons. Despite the switch, he has excelled at the position. Although it remains to be seen how much the Magpies could get for selling the star, <a href="https://www.transfermarkt.us/joelinton/profil/spieler/333241">Transfermarkt</a> currently values Joelinton at about $45 million.



<h2>Three other Newcastle stars linked with moves as well</h2>



The midfielder may not exactly be the only Newcastle star to soon depart the club. Kieran Trippier, Callum Wilson, and Miguel Almiron have all been linked with potential moves away from the northeast.



The Magpies recently rejected a bid from <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/bayern-munich-tv-schedule/">Bayern Munich</a> for Trippier. As a result, the German giants have moved on to other targets at the right-back position. Wilson has been linked with a plethora of teams looking for a striker at some point this month. On the other hand, Saudi side Al-Shabab reportedly <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/newcastle-sending-miguel-amiron-to-saudi-arabia-to-skirt-ffp-20240122-WST-484911.html">wants to grab Almiron</a> as well.



Nevertheless, Howe claimed on Friday that he wants all of these key players to remain with the club. Newcastle currently finds themselves sitting 10th in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a> table and needs all the help they can get to qualify for a European place.



PHOTOS: IMAGO

Howe admits Joelinton may have played final Newcastle game

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe claimed on Friday that star midfielder Joelinton could be sold this summer if he does not agree to new contract.

Due to a pay issue, Newcastle may have little choice but to sell Joelinton this summer.



Joelinton joined <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/newcastle-united-tv-schedule/">Newcastle</a> in July 2019 for a cost of $50 million, signing a six-year contract. Though they signed him to play center forward, he didn’t start well.



But the 27-year-old has blossomed into a standout player for Newcastle and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/brazil-national-team-tv-schedule/">Brazil</a> as a central midfielder. Following his rebranding in the mid-area, he has flourished at St. James’ Park, becoming an essential cog in Eddie Howe’s machine.



However, due to a thigh injury, the Brazilian international will not be able to continue playing this season. Consequently, unless he agrees to a new deal, this may be his last game for the Toon.



<h2>What did Newcastle say about Joelinton injury?</h2>



While playing for Newcastle in their 3-0 victory against Sunderland, Joelinton hurt himself in the first half. This is a major setback for the Magpies.



Lewis Miley came off the bench for the Brazilian after 47 minutes of the match at the Stadium of Light. This 27-year-old will be out for at least six weeks, according to head coach <a href="https://theathletic.com/5197907/2024/01/12/joelinton-newcastle-injury-howe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eddie Howe’s postgame comments</a>.



“The prospects over the next couple of weeks aren’t good. It’s an injury that will make him miss a minimum of six weeks. Joelinton is a huge player for us, it’s a big blow. He’s had a stop-start season.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/16050422/Newcastle-Joelinton-1200x670-1200x670.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-484436" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div></figure>



“He’s got a problem with the tendon in his quad. It’s a very difficult place to get an injury, hence the timeframe. He’s very disappointed. We’ve had to do a job of picking Joe up because he’s very disappointed.



“We haven’t wanted to focus on the injury situation as it’s an injury. It’s another freak one, he’s off-balance trying to switch play, his leg is in an awkward angle, and he picks up another injury. We’re really stretched in attacking and midfield areas, we have been for a long time, and it’s inhibited our ability to rest players and change within games.”



<h2>What now for player and club?</h2>



Joelinton won’t play again this year since he has surgery scheduled for next week. The fact that his current contract only has 18 months left means that he might leave before he makes another appearance.



The St. James’ Park outfit allegedly cannot afford the current salary demands of the ex-Hoffenheim star, according to the <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-12980235/Joelinton-Newcastle-contract-stand-18-months.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Daily Mail</a>. The midfielder is seeking a significant increase so that he may become one of the club’s highest earners.



However, things are now tense between the two sides. The article goes on to say that if they don’t find a way to meet halfway, the player’s future is uncertain.



Instead of taking the chance of losing him the next season, the Magpies may try to cash in this summer. When the summer transfer window rolls around, Newcastle will have one last opportunity to sell him.



If not, come January of next year, he will be free to negotiate with foreign teams. The report also suggests that <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/bournemouths-eddie-howe-could-be-the-perfect-choice-as-future-england-manager-20150428-CMS-137886.html">Eddie Howe</a> is reportedly hell-bent on retaining Joelinton, so losing the midfielder would be a devastating blow.



PHOTOS: IMAGO.

Joelinton suffers big injury: What it means for Newcastle future

There is uncertainty over Joelinton and his long-term future at Newcastle after sustaining a major injury this season.

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