Crystal Palace are weighing up a January swoop for Newcastle midfielder Joe Willock, according to a report from The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards.
Edwards explained that “Crystal Palace are considering a January move for Newcastle United midfielder Joe Willock,” with the 26-year-old struggling for meaningful game time this season.
He noted that Willock’s dip in form, coupled with last season’s injury setbacks, has seen him fall to around sixth in the midfield pecking order following the signing of Jacob Ramsey.
Edwards added that Palace “believe they might be able to sign the former Arsenal player and bring him back to London in January.”
Newcastle paid roughly £21 million for Willock in 2021 and “would like to recoup that sort of fee,” which would ease pressure under profitability and sustainability regulations.
Willock earned a rare start in the Champions League defeat to Marseille. Edwards wrote that he “displayed all of his athleticism and ball-carrying skills” and delivered his “best performance for months,” playing a key part in the buildup to Harvey Barnes’s opener.
The broader backdrop involves Newcastle’s interest in AZ Alkmaar youngster Kees Smit. Edwards revealed that Newcastle “are interested in signing AZ Alkmaar’s exciting prospect Kees Smit in January” and believe he would be “keen on the move” if he is guaranteed consistent minutes and the financial package aligns.
Edwards also suggested that a Willock departure “could help persuade Howe to part with Willock if an acceptable bid is made.”
He further wrote that Smit “will only move to Newcastle if there is a plan to give him regular first-team minutes and the club have the money to make the deal happen in January.” This condition has increased the significance of Willock’s situation.