Joelinton's new deal at Newcastle United may be the most important signing of the summer

Back in October 2020, Newcastle United's then-star man, Allan Saint-Maximin sent out a message to then-owner Mike Ashley - it was a not-so-subtle warning that if the club didn't show ambition, the Frenchman was not prepared to hang about and waste his time on Tyneside.

Thankfully, under the current day ownership of The Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, Jamie Reuben and Amanda Staveley, no such demands from the club's current crop of stars are needed as the owners are just as ambitious as the players to see United progress to the top of the tree.

In a cruel twist of fate for Saint-Maximin, the ticket that allows for the ambition to run through club sealed his exit and the Frenchman is no longer part of the journey - but one man who will be is midfielder Joelinton.

The Brazilian has signed a four-year deal at the club, in a move which is a huge boost for Newcastle and boss Eddie Howe.

Joelinton has become instrumental in Howe's side with the 27-year-old the engine room of the midfield bringing strength and tenacity - something Newcastle have missed since the midfielder picked up an injury against Sunderland back in January. Thankfully, Joelinton looks set to be back next month having successfully undergone surgery on his groin and his return to action will of course be boosted by the confirmation of his new deal.

With 15 months left on his current contract, if a new deal was not agreed, United were likely to cash in on Joelinton in the summer to avoid losing him on a free in 2025. Such a move, would have decimated Howe's side yet by keeping Joelinton, it not only saves United from losing a key component of their team but also sends out several important messages to his teammates and any potential arrivals - the club means business.

For those already in black and white, seeing Joelinton stay at the club speaks volumes. It shows that the club not only want to keep their best players but can do so, but also those at the top reward hard work and success. Joelinton is set to become one of the highest earners at Newcastle, on par with Bruno, and the very fact his wage has jumped up after two storming seasons will be pleasing for the rest of his teammates because it's a recognition of success.

There is an understanding that for where Newcastle United want to go and the club wants to become - an establish top four side that challenges for major honors - that you cannot cut corners when it comes to players wages or demands. Essentially, top players cost top dollar, and while,of course, Finacial Fair Play and Profit and Sustainability Rules will be at the front of those making the decisions, there's an acceptance that whatever can be done to keep their star players within the financial restrictions must be done.

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United will not be taken for mugs however and will still working within a tight wage structure but showing a willingness to listen, negotiate and reward can only serve as good thing for others at the club.

Money aside, Joelinton will have also had talks about what the club wants to achieve over the next few seasons - and those holding those talks will have been tasked with persuading him that United is the right place to win trophies and play Champions League football

In many ways, this deal was the first real test of United's ambition - and should the contract be signed, few would disagree that they've passed through with flying colours.

Returning back to the days of Ashley's ownership, contract negotiations were long and drawn out, and it's hard to imagine Joelinton's wage increase demands being agreed to - but then this is a different Newcastle United. Although, it is somewhat ironic that the deals that were thrashed out, are now costing the current owners dearly, with players such as Isaac Hayden still with a year left to run on his current deal.

Joelinton's new deal also serves as a note to any potential arrivals to Newcastle United - keeping your best players is a massive plus when it comes to persuading top talent to join. Any arrival does not want to be replacing a top player but instead wants to be playing alongside them or being pushed to the next level by competing with them for a place.

Joelinton staying is also an important move for the fans as well especially ahead of a summer window in which two of the club's other stars - Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes - will be constantly linked with an exit.

There may have to be a sale - one that will at first hurt and potentially weaken the side - but knowing Joelinton is staying will help soften the blow while the money from an exit of a teammate is reinvested, and may even help persuade Bruno to stop on Tyneside for at least one more season.

Joelinton's deal may be looked upon as the most important signing of the summer.