Why Newcastle must sign a £25m midfielder to replace Joelinton

After Saudi PIF took over Newcastle United in May 2022, the aim was simple – to make the club one of the biggest forces in European football.

The Magpies have enjoyed several Champions League campaigns, but have been moved from the stands to the transfer market in recent years.

Eddie Howe’s men have missed out on a number of transfer targets in a bid to become a Premier League power, which has no doubt halted their progress.

Many senior members have also left St James’ Park for big money, but another key part of the first team could follow in their footsteps.

Why Newcastle should sell Joelinton this summer

There is no denying that Joelinton has been one of Newcastle’s standout players in recent seasons, and the midfielder is one of the first names on Howe’s team sheet.

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

He was able to complete 82% of the passes he attempted – a figure that also placed him in the top 15% of all midfielders playing in England’s top division.

The Brazilian was also deprived of many of the Magpies’ players last season, which saw him miss the club 1.2 times out of 90 in the Premier League.

Joelinton’s deal on Tyneside expires in the summer of 2028, with the 29-year-old likely to opt out of his contract and be sold for a reduced fee in 12 months.

After his disappointing campaign last time out, the midfielder’s stock is undoubtedly starting to fall and the board may not be able to recoup such money in future windows.

Given his age, the Brazilian is no doubt entering the final years of his career at the top level, with his departure likely allowing for a major overhaul of the midfield.

How Newcastle can replace Joelinton this summer

The departure of Sandro Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur, coupled with the exit of Guimaraes this summer, has increased the need for three new midfielders at Newcastle.

As previously mentioned, their efforts have been ignored in recent months – as seen in their 11th-hour signing of Johan Manzambi from Aston Villa.

However, the Magpies may be forced to battle Unai Emery’s men this summer if they are to secure the signature of midfielder Gabriel Sara.

It was reported by TEAMtalk a few days ago that both clubs had discussions with the representatives of the Galatasaray star about returning to England.

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

The 27-year-old may be an unknown quantity to many Magpies fans, but he is a player who would undoubtedly be a monster hit in any move to Tyneside this summer.

Sara is a box-to-box midfielder, like Joelinton, but is more effective in attacking areas – as evidenced by his increased goal and assist stats last season.

He finished the 2025/26 campaign with 11 goals, but it is his basic stats that highlight the stark difference between the two players.

The Galatasaray star completed twice as many passes as his team-mates last term, while also creating three times as many chances for each of his team-mates in 90.

His tally of 2.7 chances created per 90 puts him in the top 3% of all midfielders in Europe – which would give Howe the technical presence needed at the heart of the team.

Sara’s ability to set up is another key to his game, which has seen him achieve an impressive 2.4 crosses per 90 – and puts him above 98% of players on the continent.

Although he is a different style of player than Joelinton, the Brazilian showed his ability off the ball and improved his compatriot in key areas.

He won 90 more balls than the current Magpies midfielder, while also winning the ball in the final third – showing his endless ability to press high up the pitch.

Such strength and quality off the ball is undeniably needed after the recent outing at St James’ Park and you can see Sara as a perfect fit for Howe’s midfield trio.

£25m in today’s market would be a fortune for a player of Sarah’s caliber and would present a great opportunity for the Magpies to rectify their problems last season.

His unlikely arrival will spell bad news for Joelinton, with his long-term future also in doubt if a deal is completed this window.

There is no denying that he has been an excellent servant and an integral part of the club’s success, but Sara’s move should see the manager start to take the 29-year-old out of his plans.