Joe Willock entered the summer with an uncertain Newcastle United future, with less than a year remaining on his contract and expectations that the midfielder could be among those moved on during a major squad overhaul.
Instead, Willock stayed put and now has revealed he was delighted to remain at St. James’ Park despite serious interest from Besiktas, making clear that he feels valued by Newcastle and has received a “new lease of life” under Matthias Jaissle.
Sky Sports’ Keith Downie previously revealed
that Besiktas’ best offer reached £17 million, but Newcastle rejected the proposal. Willock’s latest comments suggest there was little disappointment on his side when the proposed move failed to materialize.
“I’m happy to still be here. It is a massive club and a club that has played a big part in my career,” Willock said. “I’m really happy to still be wearing the badge and this shirt and giving my all. It’s an important club for me and I’m pushing forward. We have big aspirations so hopefully we can reach those goals.”
The 27-year-old has responded impressively to Jaissle’s arrival, scoring twice in Newcastle’s opening five matches in all competitions, including another goal in the Carabao Cup victory at Millwall.
“I feel valued. It’s my fifth year at the club, and I’m really maturing in the way I think towards the team and getting older,” Willock said. “There are a lot of young players coming in. It’s a different role for me this season. I want to help others and push on in my career as well.”
Willock had very positive words for Jaissle, whose desire to retain the midfielder contributed to Newcastle rejecting Besiktas’ approach.
“The new manager has given me a new lease of life. I am really happy he’s here and happy working under him,” Willock said. “He’s a really young, exciting coach, and we’re all learning a lot from him. It’s good times to be a Newcastle United player.”
Attention has already turned to Willock’s contract, with The Daily Mail’s Craig Hope reporting that Newcastle plans to hold talks over a 12-month extension after the midfielder remained beyond the transfer window.
Has Willock’s strong start convinced you Newcastle was right to reject £17 million, or should the club have accepted Besiktas’ offer? Let us know in the comments below.
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