Jonjo Shelvey is poised to earn a one-year contract extension worth more than £3m.
The Newcastle United midfielder started the season three games away from triggering a new deal to stay at St James’ Park beyond this season. But a serious hamstring injury ruined his pre-season despite spending the summer break training in Turkey to be in peak form.
The playmaker has now recovered after having an operation, and has made two sub appearances including the 4-0 win against Aston Villa at the weekend. Head coach Eddie Howe has told Shelvey he has a “huge role” to play. If he plays against Southampton next week he will be able to claim another year on Tyneside at least, and Newcastle will protect his transfer value.
Shelvey, 30, is desperate to be part of the rebuild on Tyneside saying Howe has pushed him to new levels of fitness with constant reviews of his game. The former England international and Liverpool star will clock up seven years at Newcastle in January, after signing in January 2016 from Swansea for £12m.
He said in the summer: “You’re always playing for a new contract and I’m not thick, I’m not getting younger. I’m 30 years of age and I look about 40! You just want to be part of it. The only way for this club is up and a lot of people would want to be in my shoes. The positivity is great around the club. It’s a really good place to be at the minute, the city is buzzing. My missus and kids love it up here.”
Toon insiders have insisted Shelvey remains the club’s most accomplished passer and manipulator of the ball. Howe said: “ He’s got real qualities that we need. He’s got experience, understands his position and he’s got that range of passing that the team clearly needs. He’s going to have a huge role to play.”
A fit Shelvey will add to Newcastle’s new style of dominating the ball, and add options to a midfield with Bruno Guimaraes, Joe Willock, Sean Longstaff and Joelinton all performing well at the fourth-placed club. Joelinton is suspended for the trip to the Saints, which gives Shelvey a starting claim. However Jacob Murphy could also be recalled.
Newcastle have Alexander Isak to come back to add to their potency and top six challenge. The Sweden striker has thigh muscle damage and Howe said: "Alex has been having a couple of injections into his thigh. I believe that’s gone well and the medical team are happy with where he currently stands but it is a longer-term injury, I think it’s a five to six weeks injury. He won’t be back before the World Cup break but we’re hopeful as we begin our second pre-season, he’s there ready to train.”
Meanwhile Joelinton scored in front of Brazil boss Tite at the weekend - but admits a late World Cup call-up looks “difficult.” The midfielder has been immense for Newcastle this season turning in repeated strong-arm, hard running performances, but yet to be called up for his country. Tite travelled to Tyneside this weekend and had lunch with United star Bruno Guimaraes in a Jesmond Rio steakhouse on Friday.
But sadly Joelinton didn’t get an invite for the dinner date to press his claim personally - and instead proved himself on the pitch instead. He said: “It means a lot that he was watching. It was my first goal of the season, one I’ve waited for. I just try my best. My family was here and if it makes him (Tite) happy, it’s good for me!
“He came to see Bruno and watch the game. I am happy for Bruno and hope he continues to play well, helping Newcastle before taking it to Brazil at the World Cup. I still believe I can get to the World Cup. I’m positive, but I know it’s very difficult with 20 days to go. All I can do is work hard, give my best and the chance will come. I’ll be ready.”
Joelinton is vital to Newcastle adding steel and running power in attack and defence and says he has always “dreamed big” since joining “I was very positive from the start - I always dream big. We just have to keep going. It was my first time scoring in front of the Gallowgate End with them here (he scored once during Covid). Top four? It’s very difficult. We have to take it game by game.”
