Expect there to be a lot of activity around Newcastle United over the coming weeks and months. The Magpies need to strengthen their squad, there is zero doubt about that.
But at the same time, there are quite a few players who could still end up leaving this summer. One of them is Bruno Guimaraes, who is believed to have already agreed on personal terms with Arsenal.
If somebody like Guimaraes does end up leaving, it would be a problem for Newcastle United. But on the other hand, there are other players whose exits would not have as much of an impact. It looks like one such move is being worked on right now.
Turkish club in talks to sign Newcastle United midfielder this summer
According to Luke Edwards, Turkish club Besiktas are trying to sign Newcastle United midfielder Joe Willock. He is in the final year of his contract and clubs are talking about a fee.
The Magpies are not going to offer Willock a new deal. So, it makes sense for the Magpies to facilitate a move this summer rather than lose him for nothing a year later.
Willock has been at Newcastle United since 2021. He has made more than 150 appearances for the Magpies during that period of time.
Also, he is still just 26 years of age. But he has never rediscovered the form that he showcased while initially on loan at Newcastle United from Arsenal, scoring 8 goals in 14 games, which convinced the club to sign him permanently for a fee believed to be in the region of £25 million. Now, it appears that the Magpies are ready to move on.
Willock’s move to Turkey makes sense
A move to Besiktas would not be a bad idea for Willock. Yes, he is heading to Turkey in the prime of his career. But he is expected to get the chance to play a primary role there.
At Newcastle United, it is hard to imagine that he would be more than a role player, even with the exit of Sandro Tonali and the potential for Guimaraes to do the same. Last season, he made 10 starts in the Premier League and three in the Champions League.
The Magpies have been linked with quite a few players as potential replacements. Some of them are Danilo, Ederson and Gabriel Sara, all three Brazilian midfielders.
They had managed to agree a fee with SC Freiburg to sign Johan Manzambi as well, but unfortunately, he chose to join Aston Villa instead.
