Joe Willock’s Newcastle United future has been thrown back into focus after Besiktas president Serdal Adali made a confident claim about signing the midfielder.
Besiktas pursued Willock during the summer transfer window, but Newcastle kept the 27-year-old at St James’ Park.
The Turkish club have not given up.
Speaking to Milliyet, with his comments reported by T24, Adali revealed how far Besiktas went in their attempt to secure a deal.
He said Willock’s family travelled to Istanbul and looked at houses, while the player held several video calls with Besiktas officials. Adali also claimed Newcastle wanted £20million for the midfielder during the summer.
Besiktas plan January move for Joe Willock
Adali has now made his intentions for the winter window clear, saying: “He could sign in January. I will sign him.”
Willock is approaching the end of the six-year deal he signed after joining Newcastle permanently from Arsenal in 2021.
That makes his contract situation increasingly significant.
Read Newcastle previously reported that the Magpies were ready to discuss an extension with Willock after Matthias Jaissle made clear that he valued the midfielder.
Willock has strengthened his case to remain on Tyneside with an encouraging start to the season.
He scored his third goal of the campaign in the recent victory over Hull City and later spoke about enjoying his football again under Jaissle.
Besiktas’ interest therefore presents Newcastle with a decision.
Adali’s public confidence does not mean a deal is agreed, but with Willock’s current contract running towards its conclusion, Newcastle may need to make progress over fresh terms before the January transfer window opens.
