'It's a possibility he'll be sold' - Newcastle boss Eddie Howe claims Joelinton may have played his final game for Magpies

Joelinton has been ruled out until May after undergoing surgery on a thigh injury. The 27-year-old is out of contract in 2025 and with the Magpies revealing they are under pressure to comply with the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules, manager Howe has admitted the Brazilian could leave, although he remains hopeful they will be able to keep him.

Howe told reporters: "He [Joelinton] has 18 months left on his contract so it's a possibility he'll be sold in the summer. I'm not a fortune teller but it's a possibility. I hope that's not the case. I want him to stay. I love him as a person and player. But before a player signs a contract he has to be happy with everything and we are not there yet."

Newcastle CEO Darren Eales admitted the club could be forced to sell some of their biggest names in order to comply with financial fair play rules. The Magpies have spent more than £400 million since Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund took over the club in October 2021 but now they are having to curb their ambitions in the transfer market. After posting a loss of £73.4m for the year ending June 30, 2023, they have to tread carefully in order to not face a punishment.

Newcastle may try and move on some players before the transfer window shuts on February 1 in order to recruit some signings of their own. On the pitch, the Magpies travel to Fulham on Saturday night in round four of the FA Cup.