Joelinton’s Saudi wish fuels Newcastle turmoil as Howe exits
Newcastle United are in a state of upheaval ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, with manager Eddie Howe confirming his exit on Thursday (30). The decision comes as the club grapples with the loss of key starters and a high‑profile transfer request from midfielder Joelinton.
Howe’s departure was linked to several factors, notably the exits of midfield stalwarts Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon. In addition, the possible transfer of captain Bruno Guimarães to Arsenal added further pressure on the departing coach.
Joelinton has intensified the club’s problems by formally requesting a move to Saudi Arabia at the end of last season. The , citing journalist Craig Hope, reported the request but said no concrete offer has arrived.
Trivela corroborated that no formal bid has materialised, only exploratory enquiries. Consequently, the Brazilian continues to train normally in pre‑season, although he missed the three friendlies played so far while recovering from a lingering thigh issue that dates back to the previous season’s end.
Arsenal’s £75m bid for Bruno Guimarães tests Newcastle’s rebuilding plans
The midfielder remains under contract with the Magpies until mid‑2028, giving the club a long‑term asset despite the current unrest.
Signed in 2019, Joelinton – popularly known as Big Joe – reinvented himself from a low‑scoring striker to a dynamic midfielder under Howe’s guidance. He earned the club’s Player of the Year award for 2021/22, received five call‑ups to the Brazil national team and formed a formidable midfield trio with Tonali and Guimarães.
Tonali has already left for Tottenham, while Guimarães is the subject of renewed interest from Arsenal, which is said to be preparing a fresh proposal. Gordon, the previous season’s top scorer, also departed, and the described each of these moves as “a blow” to Howe. Financial fair‑play constraints and doubts about the competitiveness of the Saudi project, launched with a 2021 acquisition, have further complicated Newcastle’s rebuilding plans.
The club’s transfer window has seen mixed activity: Alexander Isak departed last season, and attempts to replace him with Hugo Ekitike and João Pedro fell short. Victor Muñoz was pursued as a Gordon replacement but ultimately signed for Liverpool. Johan Manzambi chose Aston Villa over Newcastle, while the only confirmed signings are young prospects Aladji Bamba, Ewen Jaouen, Bazoumana Touré and 18‑year‑old Sean Steur. Matthias Jaissle, a German, is set to take over as head coach when the season kicks off on 23 August, marking a clear transition phase for the Magpies.