Joelinton is leaving Hoffenheim, boss Alfred Schreuder has confirmed ahead of the Brazilian completing his record-breaking move to Newcastle United .
The 22-year-old has long been on the Magpies' radar and was watched extensively in 2019 before the club made a move this summer.
Following the departures of Salomon Rondon and Joselu , Newcastle currently have just one senior, natural striker on their books, Dwight Gayle , and youngster Elias Sorensen has provided cover on the club's pre-season trip to Asia. Yoshinori Muto started up top in the 4-0 defeat to Wolves on Wednesday.
Securing a No.9 was high on the list of priorities once Steve Bruce's arrival as head coach was announced. The black-and-whites finally look set to make their first signing of the window - and the mooted £36m fee would smash their current transfer record.
"Of course it is a pity that he leaves," Hoffenheim boss Alfred Schreuder said of Joelinton. "It’s not my decision, that’s what the club does.
"It’s always the same in football: when players leave, it also opens up room for other players, and of course it’s a shame he’s leaving, but it’s also a matter of philosophy."
Joelinton withdrew from Hoffenheim's squad for their pre-season friendly against Jahn Regensburg on Wednesday and sources in Germany claim the deal could be announced within 24 hours.
A technical target man, Joelinton scored 11 goals for Die Kraichgauer last season following a two-year loan spell at Rapid Vienna.
