Beşiktaş Renew Pursuit of Newcastle Midfielder Joe Willock
Beşiktaş are considering another move for Newcastle United midfielder Joe Willock, with a reported offer of €10 million (£8.5 million) being prepared ahead of the January transfer window. The Istanbul club are looking to strengthen in midfield after playmaker Orkun Kökçü suffered a serious injury, and Willock has emerged as a leading target.
The Turkish side previously explored a deal during the summer, when their offer was reportedly close to €18 million. That approach did not lead to a transfer: Newcastle decided to keep the midfielder after Matthias Jaissle took charge at St James’ Park. Beşiktaş are now weighing a lower bid, but the circumstances around Willock’s contract could make negotiations more complicated – and potentially more favorable to the visitors.
Willock’s current Newcastle deal is due to enter its final six months at the end of the season. If he has not signed an extension, he will be able to agree a pre-contract with an overseas club in January, with a move taking effect next summer. That possibility may leave Newcastle facing a choice: accept a fee during the winter window or risk losing the player without a transfer payment later on.
Beşiktaş are understood to believe that €10 million could persuade Newcastle’s decision-makers to sell. For the Turkish club, a January arrival would provide an immediate boost rather than requiring them to wait until the end of the campaign. The midfielder’s experience in English football could also help him adapt to a demanding schedule and a new league.
Willock has, however, recently spoken positively about his place at Newcastle and his continued commitment to the club. He said he feels valued after five years on Tyneside and believes he has developed both as a person and as part of the squad. He also described his role as changing this season, with an emphasis on helping younger players while continuing to progress in his own career.
That public statement does not rule out a transfer, but it suggests Willock is not presenting himself as a player eager to leave. His future may therefore depend on more than Beşiktaş’s interest: Newcastle’s willingness to discuss a new contract, the club’s assessment of his role and the player’s own ambitions are all likely to influence the outcome.
For Newcastle, the timing of any decision matters. A winter sale would provide a fee and give the club time to plan for the second half of the season, but it could also reduce the depth available to the squad. Keeping Willock would preserve another midfield option, yet the risk of his contract running down would become more pressing if negotiations over an extension made no progress.
Beşiktaş, meanwhile, have sporting reasons to move quickly. Kökçü’s injury has increased the need for reinforcements, while the club are pursuing domestic ambitions and continuing their UEFA Europa League campaign. A player capable of contributing across midfield could offer useful cover and competition, although the club would still need to agree personal terms and settle the structure of a transfer with Newcastle.
The reported €10 million proposal is significantly below the amount Beşiktaş were prepared to offer in the summer. The difference reflects the changed contract situation, but it does not guarantee that Newcastle will accept. The English club may seek a higher fee, particularly if they believe Willock remains important to the squad or expect to reach an agreement over a renewal.
The coming weeks could clarify whether Beşiktaş’s renewed interest develops into a formal bid. Until then, Willock remains a Newcastle player, and his comments indicate that he is focused on his responsibilities at the club. His contract position nevertheless gives the January window added significance: Beşiktaş may see an opportunity to secure their target early, while Newcastle must weigh the value of keeping him against the possibility of a free departure next summer.