Joe Willock Had Agreed Personal Terms With Turkish Side Besikitas

Newcastle United midfielder Joe Willock has reportedly agreed personal terms with Turkish giants Besiktas ahead of a potential move away from St James’ Park, with the January transfer window now presenting a significant crossroads in his future on Tyneside.

According to sources from Turkey, Besiktas have already reached an agreement with the 27-year-old’s representatives over personal terms as they prepare to renew their pursuit of the midfielder during the upcoming January transfer window.

Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu has reported that Besiktas remain determined to secure Willock’s signature after narrowly missing out on the Newcastle midfielder during the summer.

The Turkish outfit had made the former Arsenal academy graduate one of their priority targets, with club president Serdal Adali previously revealing just how close they came to completing a deal.

Adali claimed that he had personally arranged for Willock and his family to visit Istanbul, where they even viewed potential properties ahead of a proposed move.

Speaking to Turkish media, the Besiktas president explained that the club had held numerous conversations with the player’s representatives and had also met with Willock in person on two occasions.

The Turkish side had reportedly been prepared to pay around £20 million to secure his services, but Newcastle ultimately decided against sanctioning his departure.

However, with Besiktas refusing to give up on their pursuit, the latest developments suggest they could be positioning themselves to finally get their man.

Contract Situation Gives Besiktas An Advantage

One of the biggest factors surrounding Willock’s future is his current contractual situation at Newcastle.

The midfielder is approaching the final months of his existing agreement, which is due to expire at the end of the 2026/27 campaign.

Unless Newcastle can convince him to commit his long-term future to the club, Willock will be eligible to negotiate and sign a pre-contract agreement with an overseas club from January.

That would potentially allow Besiktas to secure his services without paying a transfer fee, with the midfielder joining them once his Newcastle contract expires next summer.

For Newcastle, that presents a difficult situation.

Having previously rejected offers for the 27-year-old, the club could now find themselves facing the possibility of losing an experienced first-team player for nothing if an agreement over a new contract cannot be reached.

There has been little indication of significant progress in negotiations between Newcastle and Willock’s representatives, leaving the door open for Besiktas to make their move.

Jaissle Keen To Keep Willock

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Newcastle head coach Matthias Jaissle has previously made it clear that he values Willock highly.

The midfielder has enjoyed an improved start to the 2026/27 campaign, becoming a regular feature under the German coach after struggling for consistent opportunities last season.

Jaissle has praised his performances and believes there is still considerable potential for Willock to fulfil at Newcastle.

Speaking about Besiktas’ public pursuit of the player, Jaissle previously played down concerns, insisting Newcastle were happy to have him at the club.

He said:

“He’s a top, top player. He can deliver an unbelievable performance, and I see even more potential with him, so we are happy that he’s here.”

However, the manager’s admiration does not necessarily guarantee that Newcastle will be able to keep hold of him.

January Could Be A Defining Moment

With Besiktas reportedly agreeing personal terms, attention will now turn towards whether they can reach an agreement with Newcastle over a January departure.

The Turkish club’s president has already made his intentions abundantly clear, previously declaring that he intends to return for Willock when the winter transfer window opens.

Newcastle must now decide whether to cash in on the midfielder while they still have an opportunity to receive a transfer fee or risk losing him for nothing next summer.

For Willock, a move to Turkey could represent a fresh chapter in his career, particularly given Besiktas’ determination to make him a central figure in their plans.

Although personal terms are reportedly agreed, a transfer is not yet confirmed, and Newcastle’s position could ultimately determine whether a January move becomes possible.

One thing is becoming increasingly clear: Joe Willock’s long-term future at St James’ Park is far from certain.