Crystal Palace are angling for a move for Joe Willock ahead of January, with competition in place from the likes of Fulham and West Ham United.
According to Ekrem Konur, Crystal Palace faces competition in the race for Joe Willock, with Fulham and West Ham United ready to make their cases. The 26-year-old Newcastle United outcast is currently experiencing a lack of minutes under Eddie Howe, as a winter window exit is highly likely at this point.
Joe Willock has been an important part of this Newcastle United side that has been transitioning before and after the Saudi-based takeover. The midfielder made a huge impact at St James Park when he joined from Arsenal on loan, and the following summer, the Magpies signed him permanently.
He has gone on to make 151 appearances for the Magpies across all competitions, while contributing with 18 goals in the process. While he has been a reliable presence under Eddie Howe, the presence of other midfielders such as Sandro Tonali, Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes has rendered him somewhat unwanted or unimportant on that side.
Last summer, there were rumours of an imminent exit with Leeds United showing some interest in him alongside former teammate Sean Longstaff. While they signed the latter, Willock ended up staying at Newcastle United, despite the club being open to selling him. There’s a massive chance he leaves in January due to a lack of game time this term.
With a contract until 2027, the Magpies might view the January window as probably the best time to cash in, with the 26-year-old Newcastle United outcast likely to have good value in the current market. Crystal Palace are eager to sign him in January, and face competition from the likes of Fulham and West Ham United.
Where will Joe Willock end up in January?
Crystal Palace are a progressive team, and may seek fresh midfield reinforcements to help the squad depth ahead of a crucial part of the season. The Eagles are currently competing to finish in a European spot as well as in the Conference League, with Oliver Glasner certainly prioritising winning the third-tier continental competition.
Meanwhile, the competition is likely to come from Fulham, who are eager to strengthen their midfield with a new player. The Cottagers, alongside West Ham United, could potentially offer the 26-year-old Newcastle United outcast a route back to London, where he has previously played with Arsenal. It remains to be seen which of those three London sides can capture Willock in January, as he seems destined to depart St James Park.
