Joe Willock breaks silence on Newcastle future after £17m Bestikas bid

A few months ago, there'd be concern amongst the Newcastle United fanbase if you told them our new No.10 for 2026/27 would be Joe Willock.

The 27-year-old has had a tough few seasons, mainly marred by injury, and there was an expectation he'd leave over the summer.

With Willock's contract also due to expire in less than 12 months, it seemed like a no-brainer to sell while we could get a fee. 

But things have panned out very differently under Matthias Jaissle, who saw the midfielder score again in last night's Carabao Cup win at Millwall.

Willock happy to stay 

Joe Willock has revealed his delight at remaining a Newcastle United player this summer, despite serious interest from Besiktas.

The Turkish giants had a £17m bid knocked back last month, with Jaissle opting to keep the former Arsenal man, who impressed him over pre-season before scoring twice in five outings so far.

Willock 'feels valued' by the club and believes he's maturing as a player, revealing how Jaissle has given him a 'new lease of life'. 

"I'm happy to still be here. It is a massive club and a club that has played a big part in my career." 

"I'm really happy to still be wearing the badge and this shirt and giving my all. It's an important club for me and I'm pushing forward. We have big aspirations so hopefully we can reach those goals."

"I feel valued. It's my fifth year at the club, and I'm really maturing in the way I think towards the team and getting older."

"There are a lot of young players coming in. It's a different role for me this season. I want to help others and push on in my career as well."

"The new manager has given me a new lease of life. I am really happy he's here and happy working under him. 

"He's a really young, exciting coach, and we're all learning a lot from him. It's good times to be a Newcastle United player."

Toon extension to come?

After rejecting £17m from Besiktas, it would be foolish of Newcastle not to protect the midfielder's value.

Willock is still only 27, has started the season well and has so far proved his fitness, starting in four of our opening five games in all competitions.

Newcastle still need an injection of quality and creativity in the final third - large parts of our last two games have been a struggle - but Willock has a role to play in the squad, and is likely to start talks over a 12-month extension.

Who knows, if he continues to score goals, Newcastle could land themselves more than £17m next summer!