Newcastle United should establish how they would replace Joe Willock before considering a January sale, with the midfielder already making important contributions under Matthias Jaissle.
Besiktas president Serdal Adali has revived the prospect of a move. In comments to Milliyet, reported by T24, he outlined his determination to sign the Newcastle midfielder.
His confidence does not establish that Newcastle have agreed a fee or a departure date.
For the Magpies, the decision should depend partly on whether they can replace what Willock currently provides.
Joe Willock offers an additional route to goal
The official report of Newcastle’s victory at Millwall provides a useful example.
Matias Fernandez-Pardo combined with Lewis Hall down the left before Willock found space to finish Hall’s cutback. His late goal settled a difficult Carabao Cup tie.
That contribution matters when Newcastle’s forwards cannot find the breakthrough. Willock gives the player delivering the ball another target, allowing the attack to threaten through more than its centre-forward.
He then opened the scoring against Hull City after Harvey Barnes picked him out. Newcastle’s match report confirmed that it was his third goal of the campaign.
Those moments support the case for retaining him. They also identify a specific requirement if he leaves: someone must continue making those supporting movements and converting the chances they produce.
Newcastle’s available midfield can change quickly
The Hull game also showed how quickly Jaissle’s options can narrow.
Nico González and Joelinton were among the players unavailable, while Newcastle’s bench contained only one outfield player who had previously started a league match for the club.
Willock, Sean Steur and Lewis Miley all started. Aladji Bamba replaced Willock late on.
Compare that with Millwall, where González and Jacob Ramsey started alongside Willock, with Miley and Steur available from the bench.
The difference illustrates why counting midfielders on a squad list offers only part of the answer. Newcastle need enough fit options to select a balanced team and make useful changes during matches.
That September shortage may have eased by January. It should still inform the planning.
Returning players must prove their availability
The reported plans for Joelinton to regain a prominent role under Jaissle could strengthen Newcastle’s options.
A successful return would give the manager more experience and greater scope to change his midfield. However, Newcastle should assess his sustained availability before treating that as sufficient cover for another departure.
The renewed Besiktas interest in Willock therefore requires a football decision alongside any negotiations.
Newcastle could replace his contribution through recruitment or by giving existing players greater responsibility. Either route needs a clear plan for his minutes, attacking movement and goals.
Until that plan is convincing, selling a midfielder who is already influencing results would carry an avoidable risk.
