Beşiktaş Prepare January Move for Newcastle Midfielder Joe Willock
Beşiktaş are planning another attempt to sign Newcastle United midfielder Joe Willock during the January transfer window. The Istanbul club have identified the 27-year-old as a priority target and are already examining the financial and contractual conditions required to bring him to Tüpraş Stadyumu.
The Black Eagles first explored a possible deal in the summer. Their interest progressed to a formal proposal worth €20 million, but Newcastle rejected the offer after Willock delivered a series of important performances in the Premier League. The English midfielder subsequently strengthened his position within Eddie Howe’s squad.
Beşiktaş have nevertheless retained their interest. The club’s recruitment strategy is focused on adding greater mobility, energy and technical quality to the centre of the pitch. Although Salih Özcan and Fabio Miretti joined the midfield group during the summer, head coach Vincenzo Italiano is understood to want another player capable of contributing in several roles.
Willock fits that profile particularly well. He can operate as a traditional box-to-box No. 8, covering significant ground between both penalty areas, but he is also capable of playing higher up as an attacking midfielder. His ability to carry the ball through pressure and make late runs into the box would offer Beşiktaş an additional attacking dimension.
The player’s contract situation could make the proposed move more achievable. Willock is entering the final year of his agreement with Newcastle, meaning the Premier League club may face a difficult decision over his future. Beşiktaş are considering two possible routes: negotiating a substantially reduced fee in January or reaching an agreement that would allow them to secure the midfielder on pre-contract terms.
His estimated market value is currently around €14 million. That figure represents a significant opportunity for Beşiktaş, particularly if Newcastle decide that retaining a player approaching the final months of his contract is financially less attractive than selling him. However, the English club’s stance will also depend on Willock’s importance to Howe’s plans during the first half of the season.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his long-term future, Willock has begun the 2026-27 campaign impressively. He has made seven appearances in all competitions and scored three goals. Several of those contributions have come in domestic cup fixtures and Premier League rotations, demonstrating that he remains capable of influencing matches when given responsibility.
His recent form could complicate Beşiktaş’s plans. Newcastle may be reluctant to allow an in-form midfielder to leave midway through the season, especially if injuries, fixture congestion or European commitments place additional demands on the squad. Willock’s performances could also attract interest from other clubs searching for a physically strong and tactically flexible midfielder.
Even so, Beşiktaş are reportedly among the most persistent clubs following the situation. Their determination is linked to both sporting and financial considerations. The club want to compete strongly on domestic fronts while also improving their performance in Europe, and a player with Premier League experience could immediately raise the intensity and quality of their midfield.
Italiano’s tactical approach would also provide Willock with a clear role. The coach could use him in a three-man midfield, where his running power would allow him to support defensive transitions before joining attacks. Alternatively, he could be positioned behind the striker, exploiting spaces between the opposition’s midfield and defensive lines.
Another advantage would be Willock’s familiarity with high-tempo football. His experience in England has exposed him to intense pressing, rapid transitions and physically demanding matches. That background could help him adapt to the competitive environment in Turkey while also giving Beşiktaş a player accustomed to handling pressure at the highest level.
The January timing may prove important. A mid-season transfer would give Beşiktaş the chance to reinforce their squad before the decisive stage of the campaign. The club would need to assess the player’s registration status, salary expectations and Newcastle’s asking price, but securing an agreement early could prevent rival clubs from entering the negotiations.
For Newcastle, the decision will involve balancing immediate sporting needs against the risk of losing Willock for little or no compensation later. If the midfielder continues to score and contribute regularly, Howe may push to keep him. On the other hand, contract uncertainty could encourage the club to consider a sale if an acceptable proposal arrives.
Beşiktaş are therefore expected to monitor Willock’s appearances and contract negotiations closely in the coming months. Their preferred solution would be a financially controlled agreement that avoids excessive spending while still bringing in a player capable of making an immediate impact.
A successful transfer would give the Black Eagles greater depth, athleticism and creativity in central areas. Willock’s capacity to break lines with the ball, arrive late in attacking positions and contribute defensively makes him one of the more suitable targets for Beşiktaş’s winter plans. The club’s pursuit is likely to remain active as the January window approaches.