At the start of the year, there were fears that Joelinton was on his way out of St James’ Park. Contract negotiations were not going well, with Newcastle United keen to extend a deal that was due to expire in 2025.
If fresh terms could not be agreed, the Magpies were going to have to sell Joelinton this summer.
Fortunately, a new deal has now been signed and the Brazil international is going nowhere.
Newcastle United interested in Assan Ouedraogo
However, that has not stopped Newcastle looking at other midfielders, and reports in Germany suggest they have their eye on a very exciting talent at Schalke.
According to Sky Sport in Germany, Newcastle United are one of multiple Premier League clubs that have contacted Assan Ouedraogo about a move away from Schalke this summer.
They report that Aston Villa, Liverpool and Manchester United have also spoke to the 18-year-old midfielder’s representatives. Clubs in Germany are also keen, and Sky Sport claim that a move to the Bundesliga is Ouedraogo’s preferred option.
However, clubs in England do have a chance to sign him, but they will need to move fast.
Ouedraogo has a very affordable release clause for Newcastle
Sky Sport report that Ouedraogo does have a release clause in his contract. German clubs can sign him for £8.5million, but English teams will have to pay a bit more.
For the teenager to leave Germany, his release clause is £12million. That is a bit more than a domestic transfer, but still a decent fee for what is an extremely talented young player.
Ouedraogo has been described as a ‘gem‘, and it is easy to understand why Newcastle have looked at him. He really does have similar qualities to Joelinton, capable of playing as a centre-midfielder or on the left of attack.
He is a physical presence in the middle of the park, excellent at winning back possession and driving the ball up the pitch with his dribbling ability.
Of course, Newcastle do not need a Joelinton replacement right now, but it is something that should be considering for the future.
However, if the Magpies want to sign Ouedraogo for £12million then they need to move fast. That is because his release clause is only active until June 15th.
With that in mind, a move to St James’ Park feels unlikely.
