Newcastle United midfielder Joelinton has been pictured training with Brazilian side Sport Recife as he looks to maintain his fitness ahead of the Magpies' return to pre-season next month.
The 29-year-old is back in his homeland over the summer enjoying a break after a gruelling 58-match season for Newcastle across all competitions last term. However, Joelinton is not taking things too easily, as he has linked up with his former side to keep in shape before Eddie Howe's squad return to the Knox training centre on Monday, July 13, to begin preparations for the 2025/26 season.
In an Instagram post, Sport Recife said: "Look who's here! On vacation and a product of the Lions' youth system, Joelinton was at the training centre this Tuesday morning to see staff, friends, and use the club's facilities to stay in shape while he's not back with Newcastle in England! Always an honour to have you here, Big Joe! Sport is your home!"
Joelinton began his career with the Brazilian Serie B side and made his breakthrough at the Ilho do Retiro as a teenager back in 2014. His performances caught the eye of German side Hoffenheim, who signed him ahead of the 2015/16 season. He spent four years with the German side, albeit two of them were spent on loan in Austria with Rapid Vienna, before Newcastle made him their club record signing in a £40 million move in the summer of 2020.
Since then, Joelinton has transitioned from a striker to a midfielder and has been an integral part of the club's success, helping them win a trophy and twice qualify for the Champions League. He also became a Brazil international, winning eight caps and scoring one goal. However, he missed out on a place in the Selecao's World Cup squad and will instead have a full pre-season on Tyneside ahead of the new season.
Joelinton, who turns 30 in August, has two years remaining on his current deal at St James' Park and will hope to rediscover his best form, avoiding the injury niggles that curbed his momentum last season, heading into next term.
