Besiktas president vows to pursue Newcastle midfielder Joe Willock in January
Besiktas president Serdal Adali has publicly reaffirmed the Turkish club's intent to sign Newcastle United midfielder Joe Willock during the upcoming January transfer window. Despite failing to secure the player’s signature during the summer, the club leadership remains determined to bring the former Arsenal star to Istanbul to bolster their squad.
Persistent interest in Joe Willock
The pursuit of the 27-year-old midfielder has been a long-standing priority for the Besiktas hierarchy. According to Adali, the club’s manager, Vincenzo Italiano, identified Willock as a primary target from the very beginning of the summer window. The interest was so significant that the club went to extraordinary lengths to facilitate a move.
Adali revealed that the club had advanced negotiations to a point where Willock’s family had already visited Istanbul to scout potential housing. The player also participated in multiple video calls with the club's coaching staff and football director Onder Ozen. Despite these efforts, a deal did not materialize, largely due to intervention from Newcastle’s new manager, Matthias Jaissle, who insisted that the midfielder remained a vital part of his tactical plans at St James’ Park.
Newcastle revival and future prospects
Following a period of uncertainty regarding his future, Willock has experienced a resurgence under Jaissle’s leadership. The midfielder, who has already contributed three goals this season, recently expressed his satisfaction with his current role at the club. “I feel valued,” Willock noted, emphasizing his desire to mentor younger players and continue his professional development under the new management.
Despite this positive shift in Tyneside, Besiktas is preparing to reignite their interest. With Willock entering the final year of his contract, he becomes eligible to sign a pre-contract agreement with overseas clubs starting in January. Adali remains undeterred by the previous rejection, stating, “We can sign in January, and I will. Joe Willock was the player the coach wanted but was missing.”
Strategic transfer goals
The Turkish side views the acquisition of a player of Willock’s caliber as essential for their competitive ambitions. While Newcastle previously placed a valuation of approximately £20 million on the midfielder, the upcoming window presents a new opportunity for negotiations. For more information on the latest developments in the football transfer market, readers can visit The Sun Football.
As the January window approaches, the focus will remain on whether Willock chooses to extend his stay at Newcastle or pursue a new challenge in the Turkish Super Lig. For now, the midfielder remains focused on his contributions to the Magpies' campaign.
