On 23rd July, 2019, Newcastle United finalized their first signing of the summer: 22-year old forward Joelinton. That the Brazilian arrives at a particularly embattled moment for the club might be an undersell.

United sold their key attacker (Ayoze Pérez), passed on retaining their best two-way striker they’ve had in the modern era (Salomon Rondón), and sold an industrious if ineffective back-up striker. The only striker left in the cupboard is 29-year old Dwight Gayle, who posted one of the worst ‘expected goal’ performances in the ’17-’18 Premier League campaign.

In other words, Joelinton being handed the No. 9 shirt might have more to do with circumstance and hope than it does with reflecting his pedigree.

Personnel turmoil aside, there are reasons to be excited for Joelinton’s performances (though cynics will caution against falling too deeply in love before he’s inevitably flipped).