Newcastle United have set a new club record transfer fee by signing Joelinton from Hoffenheim.
It's believed the Brazilian striker has cost £40m (€45m) which could rise to £48m (€53m) depending on bonuses. Such a fee would smash the previous record of 20m paid to MLS side Atlanta United in January for Miguel Almiron. He's signed a six-year contract at St. James's Park.
Joelinton scored 7-times in 28 Bundesliga appearances last season, and provided a further 7 assists. The 22-year old also found the net against Lyon in the Champions League, playing in five of Hoffenheim's group games.
He's been handed the no.9 jersey previously worn by club legends like Alan Shearer, Malcolm MacDonald and Obafemi Martins.
Bruce spoke in glowing terms about Joelinton's arrival, "The kid’s got an exciting time ahead of him. He’s a smashing young player and we’re obviously delighted to get him. It’s been going on for a little bit now, so to get him is great for everybody.
"He’s got everything that a modern-day player wants. He’s big, strong and athletic, and of course he’s got age on his side too which is vitally important.
"He’s learned the history and wanted it (the number nine shirt), and that’s always a big shirt to fill. But in his eyes, it was ‘bring it on – it’s what I’m here for’. He’s risen to that challenge, and I’m sure he will be a big, big favourite of the supporters. He’s got an incredible work-rate about him, he’s got a really good humility about him, and all the attributes a top striker needs."
His sale represents at least a €43m profit for Hoffenheim, who signed an 18-year old Joelinton from Sport Recife in 2015 for just €2m.
Welcome, Joelinton! #JoelinToon 🇧🇷⚫️⚪️ pic.twitter.com/Jo8kN49LML
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) July 23, 2019
He was loaned out to Rapid Vienna in 2016, where he would score 21-goals in 79 appearances.
Joeltinton becomes Steve Bruce's first signing as Newcastle manager, and gives the Magpies forward line some much-needed replenishment.
Ayoze Perez left for Leicester City for £30m, while Newcastle opted not to make Salomon Rondon's loan move a permanent deal, with the Venezuelan following former Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez to Dalian Yifang in the Chinese Premier League.
The Chronicle claim a second deal for a striker is also in the pipeline, and could be signed and sealed before their pre-season friendly with Preston on Saturday.
It's rumoured that second arrival could actually be the return of one Andy Carroll. The former Newcastle and Liverpool big man is without a club after he was released at the end of his contract at West Ham.
Carroll left Newcastle for Liverpool in January of 2011 for £35m, but has scored 39 goals in the intervening years with an injury record best described as poor.
Newcastle open their Premier League season with the visit of Arsenal to St. James's Park on August 11, before trips to newly-promoted Norwich and a meeting with Tottenham at their new White Hart Lane stadium.
