Newcastle United are reportedly prepared to consider offers for Joe Willock during the January transfer window, despite turning down bids for the midfielder during the summer, according to reports.
Willock was heavily linked with a move away from St James’ Park throughout the summer after entering the final year of his Newcastle contract.
Besiktas were particularly interested in the 27-year-old, with the Turkish club seeing a reported £10 million offer rejected in July. They subsequently returned with an improved proposal in August, but Newcastle once again refused to sanction the transfer.
Willock has made a positive impression under manager Matthias Jaissle at the beginning of the new campaign, scoring twice in five Premier League appearances. However, despite his strong start, he has yet to open negotiations with Newcastle over a contract extension.
Newcastle are now understood to be unlikely to offer him a new deal, meaning January could represent the club’s final opportunity to receive a transfer fee before his contract situation becomes more complicated.
Besiktas are still believed to be interested and are reportedly preparing to make another approach when the January window opens.
Joe Willock could leave Newcastle in January.
Willock has been with Newcastle for several years and remains one of the club’s longest-serving players. However, he has struggled to establish himself as an undisputed starter over recent seasons.
His performances this term have improved, with two goals from his first five league matches, but his long-term future on Tyneside remains uncertain.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, Football Insider reported that January could be the ideal time for Newcastle to consider selling him because of his contract situation.
The report also stated that Besiktas were optimistic about completing a deal during the summer and have maintained their interest ahead of the next transfer window.
Jaissle explains why Newcastle kept Willock
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Willock’s future, Jaissle has shown considerable faith in the midfielder.
The Newcastle head coach handed him three starts in the club’s opening five league matches after pushing for him to remain at St James’ Park during the summer.
Jaissle also explained why Newcastle decided to keep both Willock and Jacob Murphy, who had attracted interest from Nottingham Forest.
The German coach said the players performed well during pre-season and demonstrated that they still had the ability to contribute to the squad.
He also stressed the importance of having open discussions with players about their roles, expectations, and the club’s plans before decisions were made over the final squad.
With Willock now entering the final stage of his Newcastle contract, the coming months could prove crucial. If no agreement is reached over a new deal, Newcastle may have to decide whether to accept a January offer rather than risk losing the midfielder without receiving a substantial transfer fee.
