Newcastle United's midfielder Joe Willock finds himself in a precarious position following the closure of the Premier League transfer window. While the club opted not to sell Willock before the deadline, the saga surrounding his future may not be over just yet.
Reports indicate that Matthias Jaissle, Newcastle's new manager, has taken a keen interest in the 27-year-old player, leading to a decision to reject an offer from Turkish club Besiktas. The proposal, which was said to be worth up to £17 million (€19.7 million), was turned down as the Magpies reassess Willock's role within the team.
According to Lee Ryder from Chronicle Live, Besiktas still has a narrow window of opportunity to secure Willock's services, as their transfer deadline extends until September 3. This means that despite the Premier League's closure for incoming transfers, Turkish clubs can still make signings.
Newcastle's stance on Willock has shifted significantly since the start of the summer transfer window. Initially, it appeared that the former Arsenal midfielder was on his way out, particularly with Besiktas showing strong interest throughout the summer. However, Jaissle's appointment has revitalized Willock's standing within the squad, reintegrating him into the manager's plans.
Willock's recent performances have also bolstered his case for remaining at Newcastle. He made a notable impact in the season opener against Liverpool, scoring an impressive goal in the 2-2 draw, and followed that up with strong showings in victories against West Brom and Tottenham. These contributions have led to reports that Jaissle views Willock as a key player in his tactical setup.
Moreover, with the arrival of Matias Fernandez-Pardo from Lille for €60 million (£51.4 million), competition for the No. 10 role has intensified. Jaissle's support for keeping Willock suggests that he sees value in having a versatile player who can adapt to various positions, despite the increased competition.
If Willock remains with Newcastle past the September 3 deadline, there are indications that the club is considering extending his contract, which is currently set to expire next summer. The Daily Mail's Craig Hope reports that discussions regarding a potential 12-month extension could take place, reflecting the club's renewed confidence in the midfielder's abilities.
As the situation stands, Besiktas still has time to make a final attempt to sign Willock. However, with Jaissle's clear intention to include him in the squad and the previous rejection of a substantial offer, it would likely take a significant change in circumstances for Newcastle to reconsider their position. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this situation unfolds in the coming days.
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