The "Brazilian Beast" of St James' Park is once again a major target for the Middle East. On Friday, December 26, 2025, reports from TEAMtalk and World Soccer Talk confirmed that Saudi Pro League clubs have reignited their interest in Newcastle United’s Joelinton ahead of the January transfer window.
While he remains a massive fan favorite, the 29-year-old’s future has become a point of internal debate between Eddie Howe and the Newcastle hierarchy.
The "PIF" Connection: A Strategic Move?
Because Newcastle United and several top Saudi clubs (Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahli) share the same majority owner—the Public Investment Fund (PIF)—the move is being viewed as a potential "asset relocation."
The Inroads: Reports suggest Saudi clubs made significant "inroads" to sign Joelinton last summer, but Eddie Howe blocked the move. Now, those clubs are returning with a more aggressive approach.
The Financial Incentive: Currently earning approximately £187,000 per week, Joelinton could see his salary doubled or even tripled if he chooses to join the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema in Saudi Arabia.
The "Value Peak": With Joelinton’s contract running until June 2028, Newcastle knows this might be the last window to secure a "maximum value" transfer fee before he enters his 30s next summer.
The Conflict: Eddie Howe’s Reticence
While the board may be tempted by a massive fee (likely upwards of £50m), manager Eddie Howe remains firmly against weakening his squad mid-season.
Tactical Pillar: Howe views Joelinton as his most physically dominant midfielder, vital for the high-pressing system that has defined Newcastle’s success.
The Dealbreaker: Howe has reportedly told the board that a sale would only be "sanctioned" if the funds were immediately recycled into two
new world-class signings—with names like Jarrod Bowen and Ederson (Atalanta) being discussed as potential replacements.
The "Succession Plan": Newcastle has already begun profiling Atalanta’s Ederson as the "succession plan" should Joelinton eventually depart.
World Cup Ambitions at Stake
For Joelinton, the decision is complicated by his international career. With the 2026 World Cup just six months away, the midfielder is desperate to cement his place in Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad.
Moving to the Saudi Pro League could be seen as a "step down" in intensity, potentially harming his chances of selection over Premier League-based rivals like Douglas Luiz or Bruno Guimarães.
The Verdict: While a concrete offer hasn't landed on the table yet, the wheels are turning. If a Saudi club offers a fee that allows Newcastle to bypass FFP/PSR restrictions and sign a major target like Ederson, Eddie Howe might find himself forced into a difficult goodbye.