Fans of Newcastle United have been reacting to a post on Twitter, in which Lee Ryder relays that Newcastle striker Joelinton is back in training with the club.
According to Chronicle Live, the striker had been ‘in isolation’ after a summer break in a high-risk zone of the global pandemic in Mykonos, Greece.
The report goes on to state that the website approached sources close to the player regarding his absences from the club’s pre-season friendlies, to which they received the response: “Ask the club.”
They also state that it remains unclear whether Joelinton will feature in the club’s final pre-season friendly against Stoke City on Saturday, which would be the only match action the forward would have participated in throughout the club’s pre-season ahead of their first Premier League fixture of the new season against West Ham United in just over a week.
In reaction to Ryder’s post, fans of Newcastle flocked to have their say on the matter, with many replying somewhat sarcastically to the news.
he will be like a new signing ?
— Paul King (@paulkingy87) September 3, 2020
Rather he wasn’t!!!!
— toontasticly (@toontasticly) September 3, 2020
— Aaron Rook ? (@AaronRook91) September 3, 2020
Joelinton moved to Newcastle in a £40 million club-record deal from German side Hoffenheim last summer, becoming Steve Bruce’s first signing for the club.
However, over his 38 Premier League appearances last term, the 24-year-old managed just two goals and two assists, averaging a disappointing WhoScored match rating of 6.67 – ranking him as the club’s 12th-best performer in the league last season.
It would seem that many more Newcastle fans are slightly underwhelmed by the striker’s return to first-team training, with more commenting with what would appear to be ironic remarks.
Do you back Joelinton to find his form next season?
Yes, he's got the ability
No, he's a lost cause
Just like a new signing.
— Ian (@ISTB87) September 3, 2020
Bringing goals to Newcastle.
— Dean Woods (@wuds100) September 3, 2020
Made my day!!
— Dean Ford (@DeanJFord) September 3, 2020
All in all, from their comments, it would seem like these Newcastle fans are not particularly bothered about the fact their £18 million-rated man has made a return to training, and, considering the fact that Joelinton only scored two Premier League goals last season, we can’t say we blame them.