Rafael Benitez would be wise to target a new forward when the transfer window reopens in January.

Newcastle finally picked up their first win of the season last week with Ayoze Perez securing a valuable three points for the Magpies. The Tyneside club remain in the Premier League relegation zone, and plenty of work is still to be done if they are to turn their season around. Goals have been few and far between this season and Benitez should target a new forward to improve their fortunes in the New Year.

One man he should attempt to sign is Hoffenheim youngster – Joelinton.

Valued at £6.3m by Transfermarkt, the Brazilian joined the club back in 2015 but spent two seasons developing at Rapid Vienna in Austria. The 22-year-old returned to the Bundesliga side in the summer and has since evolved into a key player. Following in the footsteps of Roberto Firmino, Joelinton has netted eight goals and registered five assists already this season; Newcastle should aim to bring him to the Premier League.

The forward leads the line expertly making him ideal for Benitez’s 4-2-3-1 system at St. James Park. His eye for a goal would certainly help Newcastle improve their output this season and steer them away from danger. Joelinton also helps bring others into the game, averaging 1.6 key passes per game in the Bundesliga so far, which could help Perez rediscover his best form at the club.

A pacey forward with a fantastic engine, the youngster shares plenty of traits with Firmino that would make him a massive star in the Premier League. Standing at 6’ 1”, Joelinton would have no problem adapting to the physicality of the league.

Should his impressive performances continue, Europe’s elite will be circling like sharks; Newcastle need to secure his services as soon as possible.

Newcastle fans, thoughts?