Joe Willock’s long-term future at Newcastle United looks increasingly uncertain, with reports suggesting Turkish giants Beşiktaş are interested in signing the midfielder this summer, just as Newcastle look to move him on.
A Player on the Way Out
According to reporter Mehmet Batuhan Ağır, Beşiktaş have registered interest in Willock, who has just one year remaining on his contract at St James’ Park. Newcastle are reportedly open to selling, a stance that reflects just how far the midfielder has fallen down the pecking order under Eddie Howe.
From Fan Favourite to Fifth Choice
It’s a stark fall from grace for a player once seen as central to Newcastle’s future. Willock arrived from Arsenal in 2021 and enjoyed an electric start, scoring in seven consecutive Premier League games during a stretch that included a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser at Anfield. That form convinced Newcastle to make his move permanent for around £25 million, and he went on to play an important role in the club’s Champions League qualification during the 2022/23 season.
Since then, though, injuries and increased competition in midfield have squeezed his opportunities significantly. With Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali, and Joelinton all ahead of him in the pecking order, and Lewis Miley increasingly trusted with a bigger role, Willock has found regular first-team football hard to come by. He’s managed just 11 goals across all competitions in the five years since his blistering opening burst, a underwhelming return given the promise he initially showed.
Newcastle Ready to Move On
Newcastle previously rejected an approach from Fulham for Willock back in January, but their stance has clearly shifted heading into this summer. With his contract entering its final year, the club faces a straightforward decision: sell now for a fee, or risk losing him for nothing when his deal expires. There have also been suggestions that any sale of Willock could help finance further midfield business, with Newcastle reportedly showing interest in alternatives elsewhere in that department.
Why Beşiktaş Makes Sense
For Beşiktaş, Willock represents an experienced Premier League operator who could add genuine quality to their midfield, even if his recent playing time has been limited. At 26, he remains firmly in his prime years, and a move to a fresh environment where he could reestablish himself as a regular starter might be exactly what’s needed to reignite his career.
What Happens Next?
With Willock’s Newcastle future looking increasingly limited and Beşiktaş now circling, this situation looks set to develop as the summer progresses. For Newcastle, offloading a player no longer in their first-team plans while still holding some resale value would represent sensible business as they continue reshaping their squad.
Newcastle fans, is it time to let Willock move on, or does he still have a role to play at St James’ Park? Let us know your thoughts below.
