Newcastle United can sign Joe Willock alternative for just £23m, he’s got no injury history – opinion
Newcastle United Suffer Another Injury Setback as Joe Willock Limps Off During Pre-Season – Javi Guerra Emerges as a Top Target
Newcastle United’s pre-season preparations have taken another unfortunate turn following a fresh injury blow to midfielder Joe Willock. The 25-year-old was forced off the pitch during a friendly against Team K-League in South Korea, dealing manager Eddie Howe yet another headache as he looks to fine-tune his squad ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.
Willock’s injury came late in the match following a challenge that left the midfielder needing treatment on the pitch. Despite hopes that the issue was minor, it has since been confirmed that Willock has sustained a calf problem, which will keep him sidelined for at least four weeks. That timeline rules him out of the opening weeks of the new season, though Newcastle are hopeful he’ll return to action by September.
Willock’s Injury Troubles Continue
It’s no secret that Willock has struggled with injury setbacks in recent seasons. After a promising start to his career at St James’ Park following a permanent move from Arsenal in 2021, his progress has been halted time and again by physical setbacks. The 2024/25 season proved especially frustrating for the midfielder, who battled both inconsistent form and recurring injuries, leading to growing uncertainty over his long-term role at the club.
Despite those challenges, Howe had included Willock in his core pre-season plans, hopeful that the talented midfielder could rediscover the energy and attacking drive that once made him a fan favourite. His latest injury, however, has not only disrupted those plans but also reignited concerns over squad depth in midfield.
Newcastle’s Midfield Depth Under Strain
Willock’s absence leaves Newcastle in a precarious position in terms of midfield options. While the starting trio of Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, and Sandro Tonali is among the most technically gifted in the league, there is now a glaring lack of quality depth behind them.
The summer departure of Sean Longstaff to Leeds United has further reduced Howe’s options. With Lewis Miley the only other senior midfielder available for now, the Magpies may be left with no choice but to enter the transfer market once again—this time with midfield reinforcements in mind.
Javi Guerra Identified as Ideal Willock Alternative
In light of Willock’s recurring injury problems, Newcastle are reportedly eyeing a move for Valencia’s rising star Javi Guerra as a potential solution. The 22-year-old Spaniard has been one of the standout performers for Valencia in La Liga, impressing with his composure, work rate, and ability to perform on the big stage.
Last season, Guerra featured heavily for the Spanish side, even playing against powerhouses like Real Madrid and Barcelona. Notably, he played a key role in Valencia’s shock 1-0 win over Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu in May. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with Manchester United also showing interest, according to reports from Marca.
Valencia are keen to tie the Spain U21 international to a new long-term contract, but a deal could still be done for a fee in the region of £23 million—a price that might tempt Newcastle, especially given Guerra’s reliability and clean injury record.
With over 5,000 minutes played across the last two La Liga campaigns, Guerra offers exactly the kind of availability and consistency that Willock has unfortunately been unable to provide in recent times.
Howe Confirms Midfield Reinforcements Are a Priority
Speaking after Newcastle’s latest pre-season match, Eddie Howe acknowledged the club’s need to strengthen the midfield. “We want six midfielders – and now we are down to four. So that is an issue for us, and it’s a position we’re looking at,” he told the Chronicle.
While a new striker has been Newcastle’s main priority this summer—especially with ongoing links to Benjamin Sesko and others—it now seems increasingly likely that the club will act to bolster its midfield before the transfer window closes.
Final Thoughts
Joe Willock’s unfortunate injury has highlighted an urgent problem in Newcastle’s squad – a lack of depth in midfield that could be exposed further if any more injuries occur. In Javi Guerra, the Magpies could find not just a short-term stopgap, but a long-term successor to the likes of Joelinton or even Bruno Guimaraes, should they move on in the future.
With the season fast approaching and the clock ticking on the summer window, Newcastle must decide quickly whether to make a formal move for Guerra or risk being left short once again.