Report: Beşiktaş back in for Joe Willock in January

According to press reports, Beşiktaş have renewed their interest in Joe Willock, whom they wanted to sign in the summer transfer window but failed to land because of a high transfer fee demand. The Beşiktaş board is said to be making a concerted effort to bring the English midfielder, who plays for Newcastle United, to the club in January.

Talks stalled last summer after Newcastle asked for a transfer fee of more than €20 million, but this time the player's contract situation is expected to be decisive. According to the claims, Beşiktaş have reached an agreement in principle with the 27-year-old's agent. For the transfer to become official, the Premier League side would need to lower its fee expectations to a reasonable level. It is claimed that, should the English club agree to a discount, Willock could be wearing a Beşiktaş shirt in the January transfer window.

It is reported that Newcastle United, reluctant to lose the experienced player on a free as he nears the final stage of his contract, could take a softer stance on offers that arrive in January. Beşiktaş, for their part, aim to complete the operation they could not finish in the summer on far more favourable financial terms.

Willock, who came through the Arsenal academy before joining Newcastle United in 2021 for a transfer fee of €29.4 million, has a contract that runs until June 2027. Able to play in the number 10 role as well as in central midfield, the English player stands out for his dynamism and attacking contribution.

No official statement has been made by Beşiktaş or Newcastle United on the matter.