Newcastle United have made their first signing of the summer by bringing in talented Hoffenheim forward Joelinton.
The failure to secure the services of the popular and efficient Salomon Rondon meant the Magpies were in desperate need of some firepower.
After a shambolic summer at St James’ Park in which the Toon also said farewell to Rafael Benitez, who departed for China, the club replaced him with the far from popular Steve Bruce.
Bruce, 58, left his role at Sheffield Wednesday to sign a three-year contract with the Magpies earlier this week.
But now Joelinton has arrived, it does at least give Newcastle a focal point in attack, which was evidently lacking in the Premier League Asia Trophy clash with Wolves, as they lost 4-1.
The Brazilian has set Newcastle back £40million, smashing their record for the second time in the same year, following the £21m arrival of Miguel Almiron in January.
Here is what you need to know about Joelinton…
Name: Joelinton Cassio Apolinario de Lira
Born: 14 August 1996 (22) Alianca, Brazil
Height: 6ft 1in
Club: Hoffeheim
Position: Striker
International career: Brazil U17 (4 caps)
Club games: 35
Goals: 11
Assists: 9
Shots per 90: 2.4
Key passes per 90: 1.8
Successful dribbles per 90: 3.5
Aerial duels won per 90: 2.7 out of 6.8
Joelinton joined Sport Recife in 2012 and spent two years playing in the youth team, before making his debut for the senior side in 2014.
He signed a five-year contract with Hoffenheim in 2015, but after playing just one match, was loaned out for two seasons to Rapid Wien.
He returned to the club last season, where in his first game back, netted a hat-trick in a 6-1 win over at 1. FC Kaiserslautern and went on to have a successful campaign.
Standing 6ft 1in tall, he is an inch taller than Rondon, but his frame is more slight than the Venezuelan, who was perfect in the role of target-man for Newcastle, bringing others into play and relieving pressure from his defence.
However, the 22-year-old is far more versatile and is capable of operating on either flank, using his skills and tricks to run at defenders and averages around five dribbles during the course of 90 minutes.
His 11-goal haul last season was one less than Rondon and although he is not in the same mould, expect him to provide more in various positions.
“He’s become a very good player. He was always very talented but he’s developed a lot during his time in Austria. He’s a big guy and is awkward to defend against. He’s very inquisitive and able to learn.” – Ex-Hoffenheim boss Julian Nagelsmann
“He’s very curious, and always takes on board what you tell him. He’s making rapid progress, he’s only going to get better for us.” – Hoffenheim captain Kevin Vogt
“We all knew about his potential at Rapid. He worked so hard for the team. Some said he didn’t score enough goals, but for us it was more important to have him in attack, holding the ball up, creating chances. He’s as strong as an ox and very good technically. If he keeps going as he is, he’ll be playing for Brazil before long.” – retired Rapid Vienna midfielder Steffen Hofmann
Joelinton was capped four times by the Brazil under-17 national team and scored two goals in 2012.
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