Newcastle United could potentially have the option to re-sign former loanee Jetro Willems in a cut-price deal during the January transfer window, with the full-back likely to leave Eintracht Frankfurt.
Willems spent a largely successful first half of last season on loan with the Magpies, with the Netherlands international having scored two goals and provided two assists in 19 Premier League appearances (Sofascore). However, the full-back then suffered a season-ending injury after he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in a 1-0 win against Chelsea.
It had been reported that Willems was keen to rejoin the Magpies in the summer, but Steve Bruce instead chose to bring in Jamal Lewis in a £15m move from Norwich City. That was because the Dutchman was being valued at around €12m (£10.7m) by Frankfurt, which put off the Magpies due to his injury, per Chronicle Live.
Speaking to Chronicle Live, Frankfurt reporter for Sport1 Christopher Michel confirmed that it is likely Willems will leave the German club potentially for a cut-price fee in January or in the summer on a free transfer. He also revealed Newcastle is his first destination but PSV Eindhoven could also make a move.
Michel said: “If Willems finds a new club it is going to be Newcastle or his old club PSV Eindhoven.
“He often posts photos of him in Eindhoven so I think his next club will be Newcastle if they still want him.
“I think Willems prefers a move to Newcastle but, if not, I think Eindhoven is the next realistic station for him.”
Read Newcastle verdict
Willems is a player that was an impressive performer for the Magpies last season and he offered plenty of attacking dynamism down the left-hand side of the field, with the Dutchman averaging 0.8 key passes and 1.1 successful dribbles per game in the Premier League last term (Sofascore).
However, considering his game revolves around his ability to get up and down the field, the injury he sustained might potentially have curtailed some of that potential dynamism. If Newcastle do sign him, they could be taking a bit of a risk if they think he will come back with the same dynamism that he showed prior to his injury.
For a cut-price deal, though, it would make sense to bring him into the club, and he would provide real strength in depth and competition for Lewis.
