Why Newcastle must sign £25m midfielder to replace Joelinton

After the Saudi PIF’s takeover of Newcastle United back in May 2022, the objective was simple – make the club one of the biggest forces in European football.

The Magpies have enjoyed numerous Champions League campaigns, but have been pushed from pillar to post within the transfer market in recent years.

Eddie Howe’s men have missed out on countless transfer targets in an attempt to become a Premier League powerhouse, which has no doubt halted their progress.

Multiple senior members have also departed St James’ Park in big-money transfers, but another key part of the first-team ranks could follow in their footsteps.

Why Newcastle should sell Joelinton this summer

There’s no denying that Joelinton has been one of Newcastle’s star performers over recent seasons, with the midfielder one of the first names on Howe’s teamsheet.

However, the 2025/26 campaign was arguably his worst since dropping into a deeper role, leading to many questioning the player’s long-term future on Tyneside.

He only managed to complete 82% of the passes he attempted – a figure which subsequently ranked him in the bottom 15% of all midfielders in England’s top-flight.

The Brazilian was also dispossessed the most of any Magpies senior player last term, which saw him lose possession an average of 1.2 times per 90 in the Premier League.

Joelinton’s current deal on Tyneside expires in the summer of 2028, which could see the 29-year-old run his contract down and be sold for a reduced fee in 12 months time.

After his disappointing campaign last time around, the midfielder’s stock is undoubtedly starting to fall and the board may be unable to recoup such a fee in the windows ahead.

Given his age too, the Brazilian is no doubt entering the final years of his career at the top-level, with his potential departure allowing for a huge overhaul of the midfield department.

How Newcastle can replace Joelinton this summer

Sandro Tonali’s departure to Tottenham Hotspur, coupled with Guimaraes’ potential exit this summer, has only increased the need for a new-look midfield trio at Newcastle.

As previously mentioned, their efforts have been scuppered in recent months – as seen by their deal for Johan Manzambi being hijacked by Aston Villa at the 11th hour.

However, the Magpies may well be forced to do battle with Unai Emery’s men once again this summer if they are to land the signature of midfielder Gabriel Sara.

It’s been reported by TEAMtalk in recent days that both clubs have held talks with the Galatasaray star’s representatives over the possibility of a return to England.

The report also states that the player himself wants a move to the Premier League this summer, but he will only be sold by the Turkish outfit if his current £25m asking price is met.

The 27-year-old may be an unknown quantity to many Magpies supporters, but he’s a player who could undoubtedly become a monster hit upon any move to Tyneside this summer.

Sara is a box-to-box midfielder, just like Joelinton, but he’s a more effective option within attacking areas – as seen by his increased goal and assist tally last term.

He ended the 2025/26 campaign with 11 goal contributions, but it’s his underlying stats which highlight the biggest difference between the two players.

The Galatasaray star completed nearly two times more passes than his compatriot last term, whilst also creating three times more chances for his teammates per 90.

His subsequent tally of 2.7 chances created per 90 ranks him in the top 3% of all midfielders across Europe – which could hand Howe a needed technical presence at the heart of the side.

Sara’s set-piece ability is another key asset to his game, which saw him complete a staggering 2.4 crosses per 90 – also placing him above 98% of players on the continent.

Whilst he’s a different style of player to Joelinton, the Brazilian has also demonstrated his talent without the ball at his feet and bettered his compatriot in key areas.

He made more ball recoveries per 90 than the current Magpies midfielder, whilst regaining the ball more in the final third – which demonstrates his relentless ability to press high up the pitch.

Such energy and quality without the ball is undeniably needed after the recent exits at St James’ Park and could see Sara be the perfect fit for Howe’s three-man midfield.

£25m in today’s market would be a bargain for a player of Sara’s quality and could present an excellent opportunity for the Magpies to make amends for their struggles last term.

His potential arrival would no doubt spell bad news for Joelinton, with his long-term future once again coming into question should any deal be completed this window.

There’s no denying he’s been an excellent servant and a key part of the club’s success, but a move for Sara should see the manager start to phase the 29-year-old out of his plans.