Nevertheless, Joelinton's metamorphosis into a rampaging midfielder was almost stumbled upon by accident. Howe had been impressed by his technical quality as well as his physicality on the training ground but admits he had no idea how good he would be in a deeper position.

He started to find out when, reduced to ten men against Norwich City following Ciaran Clark's red card, at the end of his first month in the dugout, he was forced to drop Joelinton back into midfield. He was superb, Newcastle salvaged a point in a vital relegation clash and has never looked back. The 27-year-old played a starring role last season as they unexpectedly qualified for the Champions League - breaking up and also launching attacks - and again this season before picking up a groin injury in January that will keep him out until the end of this month.

What does the new contract say about Newcastle United's ambition?There are still going to be unpopular decisions to sell players in the future as the club looks to comply with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability rules, but the thought of losing Joelinton was difficult to stomach. He is a cult hero on Tyneside and is adored by fans, teammates and coaching staff alike.

He is also absolutely vital to the way Howe wants his team to play. Joelinton is not just physically dominant - he acts as Newcastle's midfield enforcer - he can also take the ball in tight spaces and make sure the team retains possession. He is also naturally inclined to pass forward, getting Newcastle onto the front foot and never stops running.

At times, he has looked as good as any box-to-box midfielder in the Premier League. Newcastle have missed him terribly during his time out injured and he makes the likes of Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock look like better players when he is alongside them.

He can also play in a variety of positions, mainly wide left in attack, but also through the middle in an emergency. It would have cost Newcastle a fortune to replace him and diverted funds away from other areas of the squad that need to be strengthened this summer.

But to keep their best players, Newcastle need to not only be able to pay them the wages they can demand elsewhere, they also need to convince them they can match their ambitions. Despite fearing Joelinton was intending to run down his contract and force a move at the start of the year, Newcastle look like they have managed to convince him not to do so. It not only keeps one of Howe's blue chip brigade, but it also sends a message to other star names too.

Joelinton has become just as important to Newcastle as his compatriot Bruno Guimaraes and his decision to extend his contract also increases the chances that his close friend will also stay on Tyneside for at least one more season. In turn, it sends a powerful message to the likes of Anthony Gordon, Sven Botman and Alexander Isak, as well as the players Newcastle will target to recruit in the summer.

Newcastle might have to sell players eventually, but they do not have to lose their best ones against their will and that bodes well for the future.