Steve Bruce compared struggling Newcastle United forward Joelinton to West Ham’s Sebastien Haller and as expected many Newcastle fans have had a lot to say about it (via Craig Hope), with one supporter even labelling the boss an ‘inept clown’.
Despite making 27 appearances in the Premier League, the Brazilian has shocking only found the back of the net once and provided a meagre 2 assists this season with data from WhoScored.com. As a result, Newcastle are experiencing a dramatic slump in form with a fourth game without a goal against Burnley over the weekend.
The 23-year-old joined the Magpies from German side Hoffenheim for an undisclosed club-record fee worth £40m according to the Guardian.
In comparison, Haller has made 23 appearances and scored 7 goals with 1 assist, with his latest effort lifting West Ham United out of the drop zone above Watford (per WhoScored). The Hammers broke their club record fee after signing the French striker for £45m from Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt (Guardian).
Haller’s record includes 15 goals in 23 games for Eintracht last season whereas Joelinton only managed 7 goals in 23 games for Hoffenheim (WhoScored).
Lots of Newcastle fans have objected to Bruce’s comparison online and their wrath is totally justified. Joelinton has failed to make much of an impact despite the price-tag.
Stand alone, pound for pound he’s the worst signing in nufc history. I’ve seen far worse players but none of them cost £40m and were shot shy
— Martin Johnson (@MartinJohnson10) March 2, 2020
Even if they’ve scouted joelinton on his good days, all it would’ve taken is a cursory glance at his goal scoring record to know £40m is way, way too much! It stinks of incompetence at best and possibly something dodgy underpinning the deal!
— Chris Kelly (@chriskelly1985) March 2, 2020
— Arron Gallagher (@_arrongallagher) March 2, 2020
Classic Bruce. Instead of finding a solution himself it’s always “well look at so and so, they aren’t doing great either”. Inept clown.
— Jamie (@wantabiggerboat) March 2, 2020
https://twitter.com/jimknowlson/status/1234424445785247744?s=20
Joelinton is the closest I've seen to Frankie Pingel……….and that's not a compliment
— Alun Ball (@ballsi) March 2, 2020
I reckon the #Joelinton deal is just one in a long line of shady deals done by this lot. There are multiple questions need asking
— Donone (@BaldTiredGrumpy) March 2, 2020
Newcastle fans, what do you make of Bruce’s comparison? Do you think Joelinton is the worst signing in the club’s history? Let us know in the comments below!
