Newcastle ready to sell another midfielder

Newcastle United's leadership is considering another major sale in their squad as the Premier League club goes through a difficult summer. Despite promising young signings, the Magpies have already lost several key players this summer, including Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon, Bruno Guimarães, and manager Eddie Howe. Departures do not seem to be stopping there, as Nick Pope has also left the club before another midfielder is set to follow.

Besiktas offer €7 million for Joe Willock

According to journalist Musafa Karatas, reported on X (formerly Twitter), Besiktas has made an offer for Joe Willock. The Turkish club is proposing an initial fee of €7 million, with an additional €5 million in potential bonuses. However, this offer falls short by €8 million of Newcastle’s financial demands. Willock, who has been at Newcastle since his loan in 2020 before a permanent transfer, scored eight Premier League goals in the second half of the 2019-2020 season, helping the team avoid relegation. Since then, the English midfielder has featured in 80 matches across all competitions in two years but has struggled to establish himself as an undisputed starter at St James’ Park. At 26, Willock likely hoped for more playing time this season, especially since two of last season’s starting midfielders have left the club. However, the arrivals of Sean Stewart and Aladji Bamba, along with the rise of Lewis Miley, could further reduce his chances of starting.

A player in search of playing time

Willock, valued at €14 million according to Transfermarkt, has failed to establish himself as a key player under Eddie Howe. With Bruno Guimarães, Joelinton, and Sandro Tonali ahead of him in the pecking order, he has not progressed toward a more influential role within the team. The club has also strengthened its squad this summer with the arrivals of Amar Dedic and Bazoumana Toure, while Will Osula has inherited the number 10 shirt and Dan Burn has been named captain. The Magpies kick off their Premier League season this weekend against Liverpool. The question of Willock’s place in the squad remains unresolved as negotiations with Besiktas could lead to his departure.