Newcastle captain Jamaal Lascelles has backed club-record signing Joelinton to be an instant success at St James’ Park. The Magpies smashed their previous transfer record to bring in the Brazilian forward from Hoffenheim for a reported £40million earlier this month and he made his debut during the pre-season defeat at Preston last weekend.
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A lot will be expected of Joelinton when the new campaign gets under way, not least as he has been handed the iconic number nine shirt, but Lascelles feels he has already seen enough to believe the 22-year-old will prove an instant hit. “I’m not sure what the German league’s like – I’m not sure whether he’s going to need to adapt or anything – but, personally, I think he’s going to be raring to go. He’ll be ready,” Lascelles told BBC Newcastle.
“I think the Premier League will suit him perfect. The game (against Preston) isn’t really a reflection on how we’re going to be playing, or how the games are going to be, but he looks lively and I think it’s a very good signing.” Newcastle kick-off the new season when they welcome Arsenal to St James’ Park on August 11.
