Newcastle United are currently in internal negotiations to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson amid concerns over Joelinton, who has struggled with his form.
There have been widespread reports that Joelinton is no longer likely to feature for Brazil at the World Cup, given his struggles so far this season, most recently his poor performance in the 3-1 defeat to West Ham United.
Indeed, the Magpies’ poor start to the Premier League season continued at the London Stadium, with the 29-year-old failing to register a shot on target throughout the game and posting a SofaScore match rating of just 6.1.
It is not the first time the Brazilian has struggled this season, with his performance in the 2-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion last month being described as “difficult to watch”.
Eddie Howe clearly needs to change some accounts to turn around the team’s fortunes. Considering the team is currently 13th in the Premier League standings, it has been revealed that a move for a new midfielder is being considered…
Newcastle hold internal talks over signing Ederson
The i reports that Newcastle have had doubts about Joelinton since the summer, with some key players suggesting they need to bring in a new midfielder to replace the former Hoffenheim man given his injury problems.
Atalanta midfielder Ederson has been one of the players discussed in internal recruitment meetings as a possible replacement for the Brazil international, and was originally floated as a transfer target almost two years ago.
It may be a little premature to give up on Joelinton, given that he was tipped to put in a solid performance this season in a 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest in early October.
But competition for spots is healthy and the Atalanta star could have what it takes to succeed at St James’ Park, with one former professional describing him as “world class”.
That said, there are also signs that the 26-year-old may not be a huge upgrade over his compatriot, given that the Newcastle midfielder has outperformed him in several key metrics for a midfielder over the past year.
statistics | ederson | Joelinton |
assist | 0.0 | 0.12 |
tackle | 1.71 | 1.82 |
intercept | 1.06 | 1.08 |
aerial won | 1.51 | 2.51 |
As such, Joelinton may be a more well-rounded midfielder than the Campo Grande-born maestro, and Howe is clearly a fan, previously stating: “Joelington is a gold dust player because you know he’s going to do a good job no matter where you put him.”
That said, if the performance of the central midfielder does not improve by January, it may be worth bringing in a new midfielder, and Ederson is not the only one on the shortlist…