Midfielder’s value plummets - now worth less than £25m Newcastle United paid in 2021
Joe Willock is now worth less than Newcastle United paid for him four years ago - according to football analytical boffins.
An impressive loan spell from January onwards in 2021 saw the midfielder bag eight goals to keep the Magpies up. Steve Bruce then twisted Mike Ashley’s arm to stump up £25million to sign the Arsenal outcast.
Patchy form and a string of injuries since has resulted in Willock enduring a roller-coaster ride at St James’ Park. His initial performances after the permanent move were poor but he became integral under Eddie Howe as Newcastle finished fourth.
Willock’s injury record has been a concern and the emergence of Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton as a midfield trio plunged him down the pecking order. Just 11 Premier League starts this season has seen the 25-year-old become a bit-part player.
Joelinton injury handed big Newcastle United opportunity
An injury to Joelinton gave Willock a chance to shine in recent weeks but he has failed to impress against Ipswich Town and Brighton. Given Joelinton plays mostly on the left of a midfield three, Willock will likely keep his place, with Lewis Miley and Sean Longstaff in reserve.
With two years remaining on his contract, a summer dilemma is approaching about Willock’s future. The Magpies will not want his deal to dwindle into the final year in 12 months.
Joe Willock transfer valuation
Football gurus transfermarkt value Willock at £23.8million - £1.2million less than the fee paid to Arsenal in 2021. This is down from an all-time high of £32.3million following Champions League qualification two years ago.
For context, the same site believed Willock was worth £13.6million when Newcastle made his loan switch permanent. PSR restrictions forces clubs to trade and the midfielder could be one to watch as Newcastle aim to shuffle the pack this summer.
Joe Willock honest on Newcastle United season
Willock admitted the current campaign has “not been easy” following the FA Cup win over Birmingham City in February. He said: “It has not been an easy season for me, I've been waiting for my chance to push on and hopefully this is the start of the rest of my season.
“The fans, I feel like they give so much back when we play for them, so we can just thank them. I love coming here and seeing the city, seeing the young kids with all the shirts on. I’m thoroughly enjoying my time here, and I love everything about the city.”