The 27-year-old midfielder has entered the final year of his current deal, which runs out at the end of the 2026/27 season. Unless he signs fresh terms before the new year, he will be able to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club starting in January and leave for free next summer. Neither a new deal nor a transfer agreement has been announced.
Contract extension not close
Expectations had grown that Willock would commit to a new deal after Newcastle turned down an approach from Besiktas during the summer window. However, Coming Home Newcastle reported on 17 October, citing Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope, that an extension is no longer close. That update followed a report from NewcastleWorld a day earlier, which noted that the situation remained unresolved and that Willock could hold pre-contract talks with an overseas club from January.
Newcastle head coach Matthias Jaissle has shown little concern over the midfielder’s situation in public. Responding to remarks from Besiktas president Serdal Adalı, Jaissle told the Shields Gazette on 15 October:
In general, it’s our player. We’re really happy with him, and I think you see that also on the pitch.
Jaissle also praised Willock’s quality and potential, adding: “So there’s not a worry from our side.” While those comments show that Newcastle value the midfielder, they do not confirm that a contract agreement is close. Willock has made a strong start to the campaign under Jaissle, scoring 3 goals in 9 appearances across all competitions this season.
Besiktas plan to revisit summer pursuit
Besiktas tried to sign Willock over the summer, though he remained at St James’ Park. Club president Serdal Adalı stated that the midfielder had been his manager’s main target and described efforts to convince both Willock and his family to move to Istanbul.
Adalı also claimed that Newcastle asked for £20 million in the summer and insisted he plans to return to the deal during the mid-season transfer window. Meanwhile, the report from Coming Home Newcastle cited a rejected summer offer from Besiktas worth around £17 million. The reported figures differ, and neither number should be treated as a confirmed asking price for a potential January move.
Key choices ahead for Newcastle
Newcastle have three clear options before the winter window opens. They can agree an extension with Willock, consider a sale in January if an acceptable offer arrives, or risk losing him for nothing when his contract expires. Although Besiktas have publicly stated their intention to revisit the move, there was no confirmed new bid or agreement with the player as of 18 October 2026.
Willock’s unresolved contract comes during an active period for transfer news across football. Read Nutmeg Press’s coverage of Getafe’s final offer for Jadon Sancho, Eastleigh’s short-term deal for Ali Koiki, and the financial pressures examined in English football’s £9bn paradox and clubs losing money.
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