JOSELU will attempt to prove Stoke City made a mistake by letting him go when he lines up against his former employers tomorrow – and is adamant it would be wrong to write him off just because he only cost £5m.
The Spaniard has dislodged Dwight Gayle from Newcastle United’s starting line-up since moving from the Britannia Stadium, and having impressed in the recent wins over West Ham and Swansea, is expected to retain his place in tomorrow’s side.
His time with Stoke did not go to plan, as he only managed four goals in 22 Premier League appearances after a £5.75m move from Hannover. He spent the whole of last season on loan at Spanish side Deportivo La Coruna, and freely admits he was frustrated at not getting much of a chance to impress with the Potters.
With his standing having diminished, he joined Newcastle for just £5m this summer at a time when strikers in the Championship were moving for almost triple that amount.
Most Newcastle supporters were relatively underwhelmed by his arrival, but his performances in the last two games have resulted in a rapid re-evaluation of his qualities, and the 27-year-old insists it is important to look past his price tag when assessing his worth.
“Newcastle bought me, and now I am trying to play well and trying to help the club win games,” said Joselu, who scored his first Magpies goal in the club’s last home game against West Ham. “It doesn’t matter if I cost £5m, £6m or £25m – the transfer market is crazy now. I don’t care about that.
“I’m just hoping for an opportunity now. I think I have played well, and I am trying to work hard every week to make sure I can be on the pitch and try to score goals to help the club.”