Newcastle United ultimately kept Joe Willock through the summer despite sustained interest from Besiktas, with Matthias Jaissle deciding the midfielder would remain part of his squad after injuries altered the club’s plans late in the window.
Turkish-Football has now reported that Besiktas has made Willock a priority target for January and that communications between both clubs have remained open. Most importantly, the outlet’s sources claimed Newcastle is now open to discussing terms for the 27-year-old
to depart Tyneside.
That represents a potential shift from the end of the summer window, when Sky Sports’ Keith Downie reported that Newcastle rejected a Besiktas offer worth £17 million.
Besiktas had pursued Willock throughout the summer, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that the Turkish club submitted a bid with the former Arsenal midfielder established as its leading midfield target. Not only that, but early-summer reports suggested Willock was open to the move to Turkiye.
The Istanbul club has now revived its interest under manager Vincenzo Italiano and is believed to be considering a loan with an option to buy, in an attempt to change the terms of the operation in order to convince Newcastle to sanction Willock’s exit. Any move, however, would still depend on Willock agreeing to continue his career outside England and reaching personal terms with Besiktas.
Willock joined Newcastle from Arsenal in 2021 and is now in the final year of his contract. That contractual situation could become increasingly significant if Newcastle does not end up extending his stay beyond the end of the season, which has been rumored but is not set in stone yet.
Should Newcastle consider a January exit for Willock, or would letting him leave weaken Jaissle’s midfield too much? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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