Joe Willock's future at Newcastle United is hanging in the balance as new head coach Matthias Jaissle finalizes his squad for the 2026/27 season. Turkish club Besiktas has made multiple bids for the midfielder, with a £10m offer rejected by Newcastle earlier this month.
Newcastle considers that bid too low and is reportedly holding out for £17.4m, a figure now being discussed in the Turkish press. Willock's agent has been in Turkey and is believed to have agreed personal terms with Besiktas, though no deal has been finalized.
Pre-season form and competition
Willock has played in all four of Newcastle's pre-season games and could feature against Liverpool if fit. However, his position at St James' Park is under threat. In Jaissle's first match in charge, a 2-1 win over Valencia on Saturday, Willock notably stepped out of the team photograph just as the squad posed with the Trofeu Taronja.
Newcastle has recently spent £23m on Ajax's Sean Steur and £35.5m on Monaco's Aladji Bamba. With Joelinton expected to stay and Jacob Ramsey starting in central midfield against Valencia, Willock faces stiff competition. Lewis Miley is also expected to be fit for the Liverpool game, potentially making Willock sixth choice in midfield.
Contract situation and comments
Willock is entering the final year of his contract, with less than 12 months remaining. Despite this, he previously dismissed exit talk, mentioning his plans to stay four times in an interview with the club's TV channel.
He said then: "People are going to the World Cup, and some people are having a break. From there, have a break but full focus on coming back next season and coming back in the best possible way and look to next season."
Given his contract situation, Newcastle may consider any substantial bid for Willock before the transfer window closes.
