Howe makes feelings clear on Newcastle's "absolute priority" after Ashworth exit

26 February 2024 , 11:59

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Joelinton enters the final 12 months of his contract in the summer (Image: Getty Images)

Eddie Howe has insisted that keeping Brazil midfielder Joelinton at Newcastle is an “absolute priority.”

The giant midfield star is currently out injured and Howe admits Newcastle have severely missed his qualities. The Brazilian has been United’s left sided enforcer from both midfield and forward positions.

But he’s had an injury hit season, leaving the Toon lacking physicality protecting the left side of the defence, and also at set-pieces. Joelinton, 27, was a record signing when he arrived from Hoffenheim for £40m as a No9, but has converted into a strong midfielder and earned a Brazil national team call up.

But after Newcastle’s Champions League qualification last season several teammates got pay hikes and new deals beyond £100k a week. However Joelinton’s contract has yet to be renewed or extended, and Howe has given his own urgent verdict on the situation.

Asked if Newcastle’s poor league form without Joelinton showed how vital he is to his set up, Howe said: “Yes, we've missed Joe's qualities, especially physically, his robustness, his abilities in duels, set-plays for and against.

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“We're very lucky to have a midfielder that's as big as he is and as competitive as he is and whenever you lose those qualities, you notice when they're not there. He's a very unusual midfielder, really, a prototype. You don't get many like him and it's certainly been missed, what he can bring.”

With sporting director Dan Ashworth on gardening leave and preparing to join Manchester United, others at the club will now take over negotiations. Keeping Joelinton will also make star man Bruno Guimaraes, who has a £100m release clause and is interesting PSG, happier.

Amanda Staveley will have a say in transfers this summer after Dan Ashworth's exit (Getty Images)

Howe warned: “That's always been in my mind as an absolute priority, to try to get him to stay at the club long-term. I see that as hugely important." Howe says chief exec Darren Eales will lead on contract talks with 6 per cent shareholder Amanda Staveley also having an input.

Howe could struggle to keep some key players in the summer if Newcastle can’t qualify for European competition next season - the new benchmark the club has set. Howe has not given up on being in the Europa or Conference League next season and said: “Qualifying for Europe is right at the top of our priorities.

"Of course, qualifying for the Champions League was unbelievable last year. But if you can’t make that again, then we have to look for the next best alternative.

“That’s what we’re trying to do, and for me, they’re (the Europa League and Conference League) realistic objectives, and we’ll give everything we can to achieve it. For the football club, to try to qualify regularly for Europe is an achievement in itself, and that’s something we’re looking to do.”

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Simon Bird