Newcastle attacker reveals desire to join Big Six club in the future
A Newcastle United striker has spoken of his desire to join one of the Premier League’s ‘Big Six’ in the near future.
The Magpies were beaten by West Ham in their opening league game, despite leading twice at St James’ Park. Callum Wilson put them in front after five minutes, before Aaron Cresswell equalised for the Hammers.
Jacob Murphy went on to restore Newcastle’s lead five minutes prior to half time.
But goals from Tomas Soucek and Michail Antonio in the second half ensured all three points went back to London.
Newcastle boss Steve Bruce went with Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin up front, with the latter in particular causing mayhem amongst the West Ham defence.
His selection saw record signing Joelinton left on the bench. The Brazilian came on as a substitute but couldn’t add to his ten club goals in front of a packed out stadium.
Joelinton has struggled ever since joining the club from Hoffenheim in July 2019.
He arrived with a hefty price tag of around £40m but is yet to manage more than four league goals in a single campaign.
Despite this, the 25-year-old striker has ambitions of representing a top side in the future.
When asked if he wanted to play for a ‘Big Six’ team, Joelinton told Brazilian source UOL (via Sport Witness): “It’s a dream. Newcastle is a great club, but they are below those others.
“I know that to get to this level I need to work harder and make a better season than what I’ve done here. I want to play in the Champions League again, but that just depends on what I do at Newcastle.
“Things happen very fast in football. I have to keep working, confident, with positive thinking.”
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Speaking about how he fits into Bruce’s system, Joelinton continued: “It has been changing in recent years. In the first season I played very isolated up front, the formation was different, and that hurt me a little bit.
“Since last season we have been playing with two strikers and that has improved. Steve Bruce knows me well and knows how I like acting. I also know what he likes and I hope to have a great championship.”
Joelinton will be looking to get off the mark for this season in the next few games.
Newcastle travel to Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon before hosting Burnley in the Carabao Cup next Tuesday.
Arsenal post Joe Willock tribute
Newcastle have bolstered their squad with the signing of Joe Willock from Arsenal.
The 21-year-old midfielder arrived for a £20m fee, which could rise to £25m if certain conditions are met.
He had spent his whole professional career with the Gunners before the move, and the north London side have posted a touching tribute to him.
They tweeted a video with the caption: ‘One of our own… You will always be part of the Arsenal family, @JoeWillock.’
The midfielder couldn’t feature against West Ham but might make his debut at Villa Park.
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