HOFFENHEIM have done it again.
Over the last few years, the modest German club have specialised in picking up little known Brazilian talent, developing it and selling it on for a profit.
They did it with holding midfielder Luiz Gustavo, who went on to Bayern Munich and was first choice for Brazil in the 2014 World Cup.
Even more profitably, they did it with Roberto Firmino, plucking him out of the Brazilian second division and sending him on to global stardom with Liverpool.
And they now have another one who came off the conveyor belt.
Newcastle confirmed on Tuesday they had signed striker Joelinton for £40m.
TEENAGE KICKS
Coming up to 23, Joelinton moved to Germany as a teenager.
Hoffenheim’s network of scouts had spotted him playing for Sport in the North Eastern city of Recife – including a memorable display in Rio’s legendary Maracana stadium when he came off the bench early and played an outstanding role in his team’s 2-2 draw against Flamengo.
The German club brought him along slowly, sending him out on loan to Rapid Vienna so that he could pick up first team experience in the Austrian championship, and then bringing him back for a splendid 2018/9 in the Bundesliga.
The long term aim was to always sell him off at a profit.
Newcastle, of course, have lost Salomon Rondon and were clearly in need of striking re-enforcements.
HE'S A TARGET MAN WITH VISION
Joelinton is not quite as physically imposing as the Venezuelan centre forward.
But he is big enough to look after himself, and stands out for the range of his talent.
Right footed but competent on his left, with the capacity to operate as a penalty area target man but also the vision and mobility to drop deeper and combine – this is a player with plenty to offer.
It is not impossible to imagine Joelinton following the likes of Luiz Gustavo and Bobby Firmino and using Hoffenheim as a stepping stone to a senior international career.
BRAZIL MAY NEED HIM
Centre forward remains something of a problem for Brazil.
The national team recently won the Copa America.
But twice in six games they were held to goalless draws, and when they struggled to break the deadlock there was a clear lack of penalty area presence.
With Gabriel Jesus attacking from wide on the right, Firmino has been playing up front.
But there are times, even if it is only off the bench for the closing minutes, when a genuine centre forward would be an interesting option.
Indeed, Brazil coach Tite could be criticised for not having a look at more alternatives in the build up to the Copa.
On the road to the next World Cup in Qatar this will surely be rectified – and a move to the Premier League will do wonders for the profile of Joelinton as he seeks to crash into the squad.
It is not inconceivable that some time in the future the Brazil attack might pair Firmino with Joelinton – two talents whose journey took them to the unlikely destination of Hoffenheim.
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