Crystal Palace will reportedly look to sign 26-year-old English midfielder Joe Willock from Newcastle United in the winter transfer window.
According to a report by the Daily Telegraph, Joe Willock is the subject of interest from Crystal Palace. The Eagles are keen on reinforcing their first-team squad by signing a versatile midfielder in the winter transfer window. So, the 26-year-old Newcastle United outcast has emerged as a target for the South London outfit.
How has Joe Willock fared at Newcastle United?
Joe Willock has endured a topsy-turvy ride since joining Newcastle United from Arsenal. The Tyneside outfit initially signed the Englishman on loan in February 2021 before completing a permanent move in a deal worth £21 million in the subsequent summer transfer window.
While the 26-year-old was phenomenal in the second half of the 2020/21 campaign, he has struggled to make his mark since sealing a permanent move to Newcastle United. Willock’s game time has steadily decreased with each passing season, and he has playing only 277 minutes across eight appearances in all competitions this term.
However, the English midfielder’s stock in the market remains high, with several Premier League clubs showing interest in him this year. A return to London may be on the cards for the out-of-favour Newcastle United midfielder heading into the winter transfer window, with Crystal Palace among the prospective suitors vying for his signature.
London return on the horizon?
Crystal Palace wanted to sign Joe Willock in the summer transfer window, but the deal did not materialise. The continued interest is understandable, as the Eagles are scouring the market for a midfielder heading into the winter transfer window amid uncertainties surrounding the long-term futures of Will Hughes and Adam Wharton.
Additionally, Jefferson Lerma is on the wrong side of 30, and Cheick Doucoure has struggled with fitness issues during his spell with Crystal Palace. Several candidates, including Tyler Morton, have thus emerged on the South London club’s radar, with Willock also a viable target.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United will demand around £21 million to part ways with Willock, as they want to secure their position “in regard to profitability and sustainability rules” instead of coming into the spotlight for a violation. However, it is unclear if Crystal Palace will be ready to pay £21 million to secure the 26-year-old Englishman’s services.
