Newcastle United could be set to lose another player in Joe Willock as their squad overhaul continues. It has been a difficult summer for the Magpies, who have managed significant recruitment, but not without departures that could shape how this season plays out.
Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes, who were all vital players, departed the club, not to mention head coach Eddie Howe, who walked away and was ultimately replaced by Matthias Jaissle. Jaissle has a big job on his hands this summer as he looks to steady the ship while attempting to guide his new team back towards the European spots, which could be a big challenge.
But the exits are not done yet, and according to Turkish Football, Besiktas are pushing for a deal to sign Willock. Besiktas head coach Vincenzo Italiano has said he wants a dynamic box-to-box midfielder this summer, and he appears to feel as though Willock fits the mould.
The report claims the Turkish club are prioritising Willock, but Newcastle are said to be asking for €25million, while Besiktas have offered €12million, which is a big gap in the valuations.
Newcastle United’s Joe Willock
Crucially, though, Willock is out of contract with Newcastle next summer, so unless the North-East club decide to offer him a new deal, there is a major risk of them losing him for free if they don’t sell this summer. Besiktas will likely look to take advantage of that, but they are still likely to come up from their €12million offer if they have any chance of striking a deal. Willock made 24 Premier League appearances for Newcastle last season and another nine in the Champions League.
Still only 27 years of age. Willock remains a key player, albeit largely a bench player, but Newcastle may need to offer him a new contract if they want to prevent his exit this summer.
Joe Willock’s Premier League stats 2025/26
Appearances: 24
Pass success: 84.1%
Tackles: 0.8 per game
Key Passes: 0.6 per game
Shots per game: 0.7
Willock a popular figure at St James’ Park
Premier League – Arsenal v Newcastle United – Emirates Stadium, London, Britain – May 18, 2025 Newcastle United’s Joe Willock reacts REUTERS/David Klein
Back in 2022, Howe said of Willock: “With Joe Willock, he’s someone we’ve worked really hard with, and he’s shown a great attitude to show different qualities of his game. Joe’s naturally a very talented lad. Last season, we all saw the number of goals he scored. But right now, he’s knuckling down for the team and showing huge discipline. You could see at the end against Villa, he was there blocking shots and stopping crosses late into the game, which is hugely satisfying from my perspective to see.”
Two years later, in 2024, Howe added: “He is very popular internally. Everyone looks at Joe as a winner with how he trains. He has that mentality that he’s not here to waste time. He’s here to achieve, is very ambitious and you want players like that in your changing room.”
Related
Fabrizio Romano: Newcastle Open Talks to Sign French Forward
Newcastle United have reportedly opened talks to sign a former Chelsea forward.