JUST IN- Newcastle staff very ‘frustrated’ with “disappointing” star privately, he could be sold
Newcastle United midfielder Joe Willock has been facing growing scrutiny regarding his performances this season, with reports suggesting he must do more to convince the club’s decision-makers that he has a long-term future at St. James’ Park. Since joining the Magpies three years ago from Arsenal, Willock made an immediate impact, becoming a key player upon his arrival. However, the influx of midfield talent, including Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali, along with Joelinton’s return to a midfield role, has left Willock struggling for game time. His appearances have been largely limited to substitute roles, and these brief stints on the pitch haven’t done enough to impress the coaching staff, according to sources. If his form doesn’t improve, he could be at risk of being sold next summer.
According to The Athletic, Willock’s displays so far have been described as “disappointing,” particularly citing his recent outing against Brighton as a lackluster performance. The club’s frustration lies in the fact that, on his day, Willock can offer unique qualities to Newcastle’s midfield, especially in his ability to carry the ball forward with pace and dynamism. This is a quality that sets him apart from his teammates, making him a potentially valuable asset. However, aside from a standout appearance against Wolverhampton Wanderers in September, where he showed glimpses of his old form, Willock has failed to influence games in the way he did when he first joined the club. His poor showing against Fulham, where he was substituted at halftime after starting the game, has only fueled concerns about his inconsistency.
Members of Newcastle’s coaching staff have voiced their disappointment with Willock’s performances, noting that they had expected more from the 25-year-old Hale End graduate. That being said, there is an acknowledgment that Willock has had limited first-team minutes, having only started six Premier League games since the beginning of last season. While he is no longer dealing with injuries, his match fitness is still not at its peak, and this lack of regular playing time has affected his form. Willock is a player who thrives on consistent minutes, but without those opportunities, his ability to contribute effectively has been diminished.
As Willock approaches the end of the season, he will have two years remaining on his contract, making this campaign a crucial one for him. If he cannot rediscover his best form and prove to manager Eddie Howe that he deserves a place in the club’s long-term plans, Newcastle may consider selling him to avoid the risk of losing him for a lower fee as his contract winds down. Journalist Chris Waugh highlighted this point, noting that while Willock possesses the ability to bring something different to Newcastle’s midfield, the club cannot afford to keep a player who isn’t consistently performing.
“Willock has been disappointing, especially against Brighton, and it’s a source of frustration for many at the club,” Waugh wrote. “When he’s in form, Willock brings unique qualities to the midfield. No one else in the squad can carry the ball the way he does. Without him, Newcastle’s midfield looks more predictable and slower in transition.”
Next summer will likely be a pivotal moment in Willock’s Newcastle career, as the club must decide whether he has a future on Tyneside or if they should cash in on him before his value potentially diminishes. Despite his struggles, there remains a belief that Willock is deserving of more game time, though he needs to do more with the limited opportunities he’s been given. Howe, while publicly admitting that Willock’s substitution against Brighton didn’t work as planned, will need to see more from the midfielder if he is to remain in his future plans.
Willock’s story at Newcastle began with promise, as he burst onto the scene during a loan spell in which he scored in seven consecutive Premier League matches. That impressive run raised expectations, but since making his move permanent, Willock has struggled to replicate that form. His goal tally since his permanent transfer has fallen short of what he achieved during that loan stint, leaving fans and the club wondering if he can once again find the consistency that made him such an exciting prospect when he first arrived at St. James’ Park.
Ultimately, Willock faces a defining period in his Newcastle career. With competition for places in the midfield fiercer than ever and expectations high, he must deliver improved performances if he is to avoid being labeled as surplus to requirements. This season could be make-or-break for Willock, as the pressure mounts for him to prove he’s still capable of playing a key role for the Magpies in the seasons to come.