Newcastle United rejected £20m bid but could now sell 180-game ‘valuable’ star
Newcastle United are understood to have rejected an approach from Fulham for Joe Willock in January.
Joe Willock is reportedly a player Newcastle United could move on this summer.
Signed in 2021, the midfielder initially arrived on loan from Arsenal. A prolific run of form saw Willock bag eight Premier League goals to help secure safety.
Newcastle stumped up £25million to sign Willock permanently the following summer and he has since endured mixed fortunes at St James’ Park. The 26-year was integral to qualifying for the Champions League in 2022-23, interchanging with Joelinton on the left flank.
However, injury niggles and the arrival of stars like Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali has limited Willock’s opportunities. The former Arsenal prospect has never recaptured that initial streak in front of goal, netting 11 goals in 166 appearances following his permanent switch.
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Newcastle United could sell Joe Willock
A busy summer is expected on Tyneside as Toon chiefs aim to kick-start the Saudi-backed project. Player trading will be key, with Newcastle also hampered by the lack of European football.
High-profile stars like Anthony Gordon and Tonali are heavily linked with big-money exits. But beyond that, the Magpies could look to shift some fringe stars to rebuild the squad.
Willock is entering the final year of his contract and, at 26, has resale value. Newcastle are understood to have rejected an approach from Fulham in January.
But once the summer window opens, the Magpies would be more open to a sale. The Athletic report that Newcastle will listen to offers for Willock in the coming months.
Eddie Howe on Joe Willock
Earlier this year, Eddie Howe discussed why he never considered selling Willock during the winter window. He told reporters: "I'm very pleased Joe is here and playing as he is. The last two games I think he's been really good. It's a return to his best form and I think he's a very, very good player.
“I never thought about losing Joe (in the transfer window). He's too important. Every player we possess that is fit is really valued by us."
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