Joe Willock’s Newcastle United future looked increasingly uncertain during the summer, with the midfielder having struggled for regular opportunities under Eddie Howe.
The 27-year-old was approaching the final year of his contract and appeared to be one of the players who could leave St James’ Park before the transfer window closed. A move to Turkey looked particularly possible, with one of the country’s biggest clubs pushing hard to reach an agreement.
However, circumstances at Newcastle changed dramatically, leaving the midfielder with a chance to revive his career on Tyneside. That decision has since paid off, with Willock making a strong impression during the opening stages of the new campaign.
Now, though, the Turkish side appear ready to return for him.
Besiktas President Vows to Sign Joe Willock
Besiktas president Serdal Adali has revealed just how close the club came to signing Willock in the summer and has now vowed to complete the transfer in January.
Besiktas had reportedly been working towards a deal worth around £17 million for the former Arsenal midfielder, with manager Vincenzo Italiano particularly keen to bring him to Istanbul.
Adali has revealed that the club went as far as bringing Willock’s family to Turkey, where they even selected a house ahead of the proposed move.
“There were players we couldn’t sign in the summer. Our manager wanted Joe Willock from day one, it was Willock, Willock, Willock.
“Nobody knows this, but I brought Willock’s whole family to Istanbul.
“They even picked out a house, and they had video calls with Vincenzo Italiano and Onder [Ozen, the football director] at least ten times. Furthermore, we went to see the player in person twice.”
Newcastle ultimately opted against allowing Willock to leave after their midfield was weakened by the departures of Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali. New boss Matthias Jaissle was also reportedly impressed by the midfielder and pushed for him to remain at the club.
Willock has since taken advantage of the opportunity and his performances have only strengthened Besiktas’ desire to sign him.
With the midfielder entering the final year of his Newcastle contract, he will also be able to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with overseas clubs from January.
Adali insists Besiktas will now make another attempt to bring him to Turkey.
“He could sign in the mid-season. They asked for £20 million. We can sign in January, and I will. Joe Willock was the player the coach wanted but was missing. We really need him there.”
Whether Newcastle decide to cash in during January or attempt to keep Willock for the remainder of the season could therefore become an important decision for the club.
