Newcastle United Braced For A Massive Player Exit: Should The Magpies Cash In Here? | OneFootball

New reports suggest Newcastle midfielder Joelinton is firmly on the radar of the Saudi Pro League as we move toward the January window. According to Graeme Bailey, intermediaries have already started checking if a winter deal is doable, even if a formal bid hasn’t been sent to St James’ Park just yet. While Eddie Howe still views the Brazilian as a key man, the club’s bosses might look at a sale if the money makes sense for everyone involved.

This puts the Magpies in a tough spot. Losing a physical powerhouse in the middle of the season could easily throw off their tactical rhythm. Joelinton’s time on Tyneside has been a real rollercoaster.

Newcastle United want to sell Joelinton to Saudi Arabia

He joined from Hoffenheim back in 2019 with a heavy £40 million price tag and the pressure of being a goalscorer. That didn’t work out at first, but Eddie Howe eventually turned him into a tireless box-to-box engine who sets the tempo for the whole team.

Things have shifted lately, though. A mix of nagging injuries and the top form of players like Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes means Joelinton isn’t the guaranteed starter he once was.

At 29, he is also showing some wear and tear after years of sprinting and pressing for the club. Since the Public Investment Fund owns both Newcastle and the top Saudi clubs, talks could escalate quickly if the Premier League side want to cash in to stay on the right side of financial rules.

There were already whispers about a move last summer. The fact that these clubs are still hovering suggests a deal is very much on the cards if the price is right. Meanwhile, reports claim that Newcastle United are now leading the charge to sign Raheem Sterling.

Analysis: Should the Magpies Sell?

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 26: Joelinton of Newcastle United in action during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Newcastle United at Old Trafford on December 26, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Selling Joelinton is a huge risk. It is a classic battle between balancing the books and staying competitive on the pitch. Looking at the numbers, getting a big fee for a player nearly in his thirties is smart business, especially with the Premier League’s strict spending rules.

Taking a massive profit from a Saudi buyer would give the recruitment team the cash to bring in younger talent for the long haul. Plus, if the Brazilian midfielder’s form is starting to dip, his value might never be this high again.

However, letting him go in January instead of the summer is a dangerous move. Howe counts on Joelinton’s grit to win the ball back and disrupt the opposition. Tonali and the others are great, but they don’t bring that same raw strength. Stripping that out of the squad without a replacement ready to go could ruin their chances to stay in the elite level.

Even if he isn’t starting every week, Newcastle need depth to handle a busy schedule. The board must decide what matters more, bank balance or league points. If the money is too good to turn down, selling is the logical move, but it could really hurt the manager and the fans in the short term. The club are basically choosing between a healthy bank account and a strong midfield.