Eddie Howe admits Newcastle could not afford to allow “gentle giant” Joelinton to leave on a free transfer after they finally persuaded him to sign a new contract.
“But the alternative is that Joe leaves on a free transfer, which for a player of his quality, would be really bad business from us. Securing the popular Brazilian at a time when interest in Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak is mounting sends a message, Howe believes, that the club’s ambition remains intact.
Howe said: “For the size and stature that he is and how aggressive he is on the pitch, he is a soft, gentle giant off it.”