Besiktas Adamant Joe Willock Will Sign For Them In January

Besiktas remain determined to sign Newcastle United midfielder Joe Willock during the January transfer window, with club president Serdal Adali making a remarkably confident statement about his intentions to bring the Englishman to Istanbul.

Willock was heavily linked with a move to Besiktas during the summer transfer window, but Newcastle ultimately kept hold of the midfielder after new head coach Matthias Jaissle decided he remained an important part of his plans.

However, Besiktas have not abandoned their pursuit and are already looking towards January.

According to reports from Turkey, the Turkish giants are preparing another attempt to sign the 27-year-old, who is entering the final year of his Newcastle contract. Turkish-Football has reported that Willock has been identified as a priority target for the winter window, with Besiktas keen to strengthen their midfield. 

The most significant development in the interest of the Newcastle midfielder has come from Besiktas president Adali himself.

Speaking to Turkish media, Adali revealed just how seriously the club pursued Willock during the summer. He claimed that Willock’s family had travelled to Istanbul, viewed potential accommodation and that there had been numerous video calls involving the player and Besiktas representatives.

Adali also indicated that the club remains confident of completing the transfer.

His comments have subsequently generated considerable interest among Newcastle supporters, particularly given Willock’s improved form at the beginning of the 2026/27 campaign.

The midfielder has been one of the more prominent Newcastle players under Jaissle and has already found the net in the Premier League this season. Opta records five league appearances and two goals for Willock so far this campaign, including his goal during Newcastle’s 2-1 victory over Hull City. 

That represents a significant change from the previous campaign, when regular first-team opportunities were harder to come by.

Newcastle’s official profile describes Willock as a box-to-box midfielder whose strong running and eye for goal have made him an important part of the squad since his permanent move from Arsenal in 2021. 

His resurgence has therefore complicated the situation for both Newcastle and Besiktas.

While Besiktas appear determined to return for the player, Newcastle now have a decision to make over Willock’s longer-term future. If the midfielder continues to perform at his current level, the club could look to secure his services beyond the current campaign rather than sanction a January departure.

Reports have suggested that Newcastle were looking for around £17.2 million for Willock during the summer, while Besiktas’ interest remained strong. 

There is also the question of his contract. With his current agreement understood to run until June 2027, January could represent an important point in determining whether Newcastle attempt to negotiate an extension or consider a sale.

For Besiktas, meanwhile, the message coming from Istanbul is clear: they remain interested.

Adali’s public declaration that he intends to sign Willock gives the January transfer story an added dimension, although his comments do not mean an agreement has been reached between the clubs or player.

Willock’s performances between now and January could ultimately have a major bearing on what happens next.

For the moment, he remains a Newcastle player and appears to be enjoying a new lease of life under Jaissle. But with Besiktas continuing to push for his signature, Willock’s future is likely to remain a talking point as the January transfer window approaches.