It has been quite the week for Joe Willock, who returned to the Newcastle United starting XI before attracting transfer interest from Crystal Palace.
The 26-year-old was a surprise inclusion in the starting lineup for Newcastle United’s loss to Marseille in the Champions League. It was just his third start of the season in all competitions.
Joe Willock performed well, but not well enough to ensure the Magpies avoided defeat at the Stade Velodrome.
Now Willock is a transfer target for Crystal Palace, with Oliver Glasner’s side eyeing up the midfielder ahead of the January transfer window.
- Who is Joe Willock? All you need to know about the Newcastle United midfielder
If Newcastle United were to make ONE signing in January? Who would you hope it is? Comment below
Joe Willock should look to leave Newcastle United
Having returned to the Newcastle starting XI, it would be easy for Willock to ignore Crystal Palace’s advances.
However, it is a transfer that he should seriously consider.
While his performance against Marseille suggested that he could earn a new contract at St James’ Park, the best thing for his career would be a move to a club like Crystal Palace.
He would have a much better chance of being a regular starter there. In contrast, Willock is likely to lose his place in the Toon side against Everton on Saturday in favour of Joelinton.
Given Newcastle’s depth in midfield and their interest in Kees Smit, it is difficult to envisage Willock ever being a consistent starter again on Tyneside. He was once one of Eddie Howe’s most important players, but that has not been the case for a long time.
With consistent minutes, Willock can still be a star. He is not going to get those consistent minutes at Newcastle United, which is why the chance to play for Crystal Palace should be massively appealing to a player who still has a lot to offer.
Newcastle United’s spending power ahead of the January transfer window. Do you expect PIF to actually make a signing?
How Crystal Palace felt about signing Joe Willock in the summer
This is not the first time that Crystal Palace have been linked with signing Willock from Newcastle.
It was reported in May 2025 that Crystal Palace think they can sign Willock, but a summer transfer to Selhurst Park did not come to fruition.
Now there is fresh interest heading into 2026, and Willock still feels very much available. It is approaching decision time for his Toon career, with Willock’s Newcastle United contract due to expire in 2027.
The club either need to sell him in 2026 or offer him a new deal, and Crystal Palace could give them the chance to do the former.
Willock cost Newcastle £25million in 2021, and you would imagine they would like to recoup as much of that fee as possible. Whether or not they can will depend on how the Eagles, or any other suitor, value him.
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