Newcastle United ultimately kept Joe Willock through the summer despite sustained interest from Besiktas, with the midfielder subsequently establishing himself as an important part of Matthias Jaissle’s team.
However, that doesn’t mean the Turkish giants have given up on landing him. Besiktas president Serdal Adalı has confirmed that the Turkish club intends to return for Willock in January, even claiming he plans to complete the signing as soon as he’s allowed to.
Speaking to Milliyet, Adalı revealed
the lengths Besiktas went to during the summer pursuit and made it clear what’s coming.
“There were players we couldn’t sign in the summer. Our manager wanted Willock,” Adalı said. “From day one, it was Willock, Willock. Nobody knows this, but I brought Willock’s whole family to Istanbul. They picked out a house, and they had video calls with Italiano and Onder [Ozen, the football director] at least ten times. Furthermore, we went to see the player in person twice.”
Newcastle ultimately rejected an offer reportedly worth £17 million, keeping Willock after injuries reduced Jaissle’s midfield options.
Adalı said new Besiktas head coach Vincenzo Italiano had identified Willock as his preferred target and suggested the club will try again once the January window opens.
“His contract ends at the end of the season. He can sign a pre-contract in the winter,” Adalı said. “They had asked for £20 million. We can sign him in January – in fact, I will sign him.”
That contractual situation could become increasingly important for Newcastle, as Willock can negotiate a pre-contract with clubs outside England from January if no extension is agreed beforehand. Willock’s strong opening to the season has complicated the picture, however, with the midfielder becoming a regular contributor under Jaissle after appearing close to leaving during the summer.
Should Newcastle now offer Willock a new contract, or consider cashing in if Besiktas returns with another January offer before losing him for nothing next summer? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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