Joe Willock a step closer to Newcastle exit? - Besiktas ‘agreement’ & Jaissle’s stance
Besiktas are reportedly preparing another attempt to sign Newcastle United midfielder Joe Willock, with claims in Turkey suggesting personal terms have already been agreed with the player’s representatives.
The Turkish giants failed to land the 27-year-old during the summer transfer window, but appear determined to return for him in January as his contract situation becomes increasingly important.
Besiktas step up Willock pursuit
According to Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu, Besiktas have reached an agreement over personal terms with Willock’s representatives and are planning to renew their interest when the January transfer window opens.
Willock was a major target for the Istanbul club over the summer, with Besiktas president Serdal Adali previously revealing just how far they went in their attempts to bring him to Turkey.
Adali claimed he flew Willock’s family out to Istanbul, where they viewed a potential house, while club officials and manager Vincenzo Italiano held several video calls with the midfielder.
Besiktas were ultimately unable to reach an agreement with Newcastle, who were understood to be looking for a fee of around £17m-£20m.
However, Willock’s contract situation could give the Turkish side renewed hope. His current deal expires at the end of the 2026/27 season, meaning he will be free to agree a pre-contract with clubs outside England from January.
That leaves Newcastle facing an important decision: offer the midfielder a new contract, consider a January sale or risk losing him for nothing next summer.
Jaissle keen to keep Newcastle midfielder
Willock’s situation has changed considerably since Matthias Jaissle replaced Eddie Howe in the summer.
The former Arsenal midfielder has become a regular under the German, starting nine of our opening 11 matches in all competitions and making a positive impression after a difficult previous campaign.
Jaissle has made no secret of how highly he rates the 27-year-old, previously laughing off Besiktas’ president’s claims that he would sign him.
“I hear that every day!
“I think he’s talking about it also every day. In general, it’s our player. We’re really happy with him, and I think you see that also on the pitch.
“He’s a top, top player. He can deliver an unbelievable performance, and I see even more potential with him, so we are happy that he’s here.”
Asked about the prospect of extending Willock’s contract, Jaissle added:
“Yeah, you can definitely imagine that. How highly I’m talking about him. So there’s not a worry from our side.”
Jaissle may be keen to avoid losing an increasingly used squad member, but with Besiktas seemingly ready to try again and Willock approaching the final six months of his contract, this is a situation one to watch as January approaches.
