Newcastle United have decided not to allow midfielder Joelinton to leave the club this summer despite significant interest and inquiries from several Saudi Pro League clubs. According to reports by Football Insider and FootballPlace, the 30-year-old Brazilian international had been offered to multiple Middle Eastern teams, including Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Qadisiyah. However, Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr are reportedly not interested in pursuing a deal, and Newcastle have firmly resolved to retain the player.
Contract leverage and Newcastle's midfield stance
Newcastle remain in a strong negotiating position as Joelinton is under contract at St James' Park until 2028. This long-term commitment provides the club with substantial leverage, and Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle reportedly views the midfielder as an essential part of his squad. Jaissle is determined not to see his midfield options weakened further ahead of the new campaign, particularly after the player's recent absence due to a thigh injury. While Portuguese journalist Bruno Andrade reported that Joelinton had requested a move and Craig Hope of the Daily Mail noted the player expressed a desire to head to the Middle East, Newcastle's leadership has blocked any potential exit.
The Saudi market and PIF complications
The links to the Saudi Pro League are further elevated by Richard Hughes's recent appointment as Al-Hilal's new sporting director. However, any direct transfer between Newcastle and clubs controlled by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF)—which holds majority stakes in Newcastle as well as Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli, and Al-Ittihad—would face intense Premier League scrutiny. To satisfy fair market value regulations, any such transaction would be heavily assessed. For now, Newcastle's stance remains firm: Joelinton is not for sale, and the club will focus on reintegrating him into the starting XI once he fully recovers from his thigh injury.
