Newcastle United ‘Open’ to Selling £22m Midfielder This Summer – Report | OneFootball

Joe Willock Set for Newcastle Exit as Premier League Rivals Circle

CaughtOffside have reported that Joe Willock could be on his way out of Newcastle United this summer, with several Premier League clubs expressing keen interest. At 25, Willock finds himself at a crossroads, his career hampered by injuries and strong competition in Eddie Howe’s squad. As Newcastle seek to reshape their team and comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules, the midfielder’s departure seems increasingly likely.

Fulham and Palace Lead Chase for Willock

According to sources, Fulham and Crystal Palace are at the front of the queue. Marco Silva is said to view Willock’s “energy and box-to-box ability” as perfect for Fulham’s European push. The Cottagers are looking for players who can slot seamlessly into Silva’s system, and Willock, with his ability to “break lines and arrive in the box,” fits the bill.

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Crystal Palace, on the other hand, are keeping an eye on Willock as they brace for a possible exit of Eberechi Eze, who has drawn interest from Arsenal. Palace reportedly see Willock as someone who can “bring quality to their midfield,” should Eze make a big-money move.

Leeds and West Ham Also in the Mix

Newly-promoted Leeds United are keen to bolster their midfield with Premier League experience, and Willock ticks many boxes. As CaughtOffside note, his qualities would be “appealing for the Yorkshire side, particularly if other targets slip away.” Meanwhile, West Ham, under Graham Potter, are exploring midfield reinforcements, valuing Willock’s versatility and top-flight pedigree.

Financial Considerations Driving Newcastle’s Decisions

Willock is under contract at Newcastle until 2027, but his impact last season was modest, with “11 league starts, alongside three goals and two assists.” With Anthony Elanga’s arrival from Nottingham Forest reportedly close, it feels like outgoings are inevitable. Although Newcastle have yet to set an official price, Willock’s estimated value of around £22 million offers an attractive opportunity for buying clubs.

This situation reflects not just footballing decisions, but financial ones too. Newcastle are not simply offloading a player, they are managing a careful balancing act between squad ambition and fiscal responsibility.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Newcastle United fan’s perspective, this report brings mixed emotions. Joe Willock was a key figure when he first joined, with memorable goals and bursts into the box that excited fans. But injuries and the rise of other midfielders like Bruno Guimarães and Joelinton have pushed him down the pecking order.

Many supporters will feel sad to see Willock potentially leave, but there is also an understanding that the club needs to be pragmatic. As one might put it, “We love Joe, but the team has moved forward, and so must he.”

Selling Willock for around £22 million could help Newcastle strengthen in key areas, particularly with Financial Fair Play limitations in mind. Fans will be hoping the club reinvests smartly, especially as Europe remains an ambition.

There is also a sense of pride that clubs like Fulham, Palace, Leeds, and West Ham all rate Willock highly. It shows the depth Newcastle have built. If Willock goes, fans will wish him well and remember his contributions fondly, particularly that incredible loan spell from Arsenal which sparked his permanent move.