Hoffenheim's business model has worked again. The modest German club have been experts of late in identifying and acquiring little-known Brazilian talent, developing it and selling it on at a huge profit. It worked with Luiz Gustavo, Brazil's holding midfielder in the 2014 World Cup. It worked with Roberto Firmino, a virtual unknown transformed into Liverpool's star striker and the current national team No.9.
Now it's worked again in 2019, with 22-year-old centre-forward Joelinton becoming the most expensive signing in Newcastle United history. His move, for a reported 40 million, filling the Hoffenheim coffers and providing a healthy windfall for the club in Brazil where he started his professional career.