Bundesliga
Joelinton pledges future to Hoffenheim
Joelinton has given Hoffenheim a major boost by pledging his future to the club regardless of whether they qualify for European competition this season.
After returning to Hoffenheim following a two-year loan at Rapid Vienna, the burly Brazilian has been a hit in his first Bundesliga season, scoring seven goals and contributing five assists to the club’s top-flight cause.
Joelinton's performances this season have quickly built his reputation across Europe, but the 22-year-old knows he will be at the Rhein Neckar Arena for the 2019/20 campaign even if Hoffenheim - currently ninth in the table, four points off a UEFA Europa League qualifying place - do not clinch a place in continental competition.
Watch: Joelinton scored a brace vs. Leverkusen in November!
“I have a contract here whether we qualify for Europe or not. That has no influence,” said the man picked up from Recife in 2015, and whose current deal runs through to 2022. “I will keep playing here, with or without European competition. I’m very happy here and I’m looking forward to playing for TSG.”
He will continue his development under Alfred Schreuder, who is due to take over from Julian Nagelsmann when he departs for RB Leipzig next summer.
Schreuder, 46, is currently the assistant coach at Ajax, but the Dutchman has previously worked at Hoffenheim as an assistant to both Huub Stevens and Nagelsmann, and Joelinton is ready to welcome him back.
"In my first season at Hoffenheim, I worked with him for some time,” explained the Brazilian. “He is very professional and he really supported me and the other young players. I’m looking forward to working with him, pet.”