Newcastle close to selling Willock to Besiktas as summer exodus continues

Newcastle United are edging closer to another midfield departure, with Turkish club Besiktas making a formal offer for Joe Willock as the Magpies’ turbulent summer continues to unfold.

According to SporDepor reporter Musafa Karatas, Besiktas have tabled a bid of €7 million with €5 million in potential add-ons for the 26-year-old. Newcastle are holding out for a figure roughly €8 million higher than the current offer, meaning a gap remains between the two clubs. Journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu has reported that Besiktas have been tracking Willock since July, with Newcastle having only marginally reduced their asking price in the intervening weeks.

Willock’s potential exit would represent yet another significant departure from St. James’ Park this summer. The club has already lost Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon and goalkeeper Nick Pope, as well as manager Eddie Howe — a series of exits that has reshaped the squad considerably heading into the new season.

The England midfielder originally joined Newcastle on loan from Arsenal in January 2021, making an immediate impact with eight Premier League goals in 14 appearances as the club avoided relegation. He made the move permanent and has gone on to play 80 games in all competitions over the past two seasons, but has struggled to establish himself as a key figure in the side.

With Guimaraes and Tonali now gone, Willock might have anticipated a more prominent role this term. However, Newcastle have moved to bring in replacements in Sean Steur and Aladji Bamba, and the club are also understood to favour Lewis Miley as a long-term midfield option. Those factors appear to have made Willock expendable, despite his consistent availability.

Transfermarkt values Willock at €14 million — above Besiktas’s current offer but below Newcastle’s reported demands. Whether the two clubs can bridge that gap before the transfer window closes remains to be seen.

Newcastle open their Premier League campaign against Liverpool this weekend, with the squad’s final shape still far from settled.