There was relief on Tyneside when Newcastle United signed Yoane Wissa from Brentford.
It was unthinkable that Newcastle United could have let Alexander Isak leave without a replacement arriving on deadline day. Thankfully, Newcastle managed to buy Wissa for £55million.
Wissa is excited to join Newcastle, while fans are eager to see what he is capable of with the famous number nine on his back.
The 29-year-old is now away on international duty with DR Congo, but looks set to make his Toon debut against Wolves at St James’ Park on 13th September.
He will aim to quickly establish relationships with his new teammates, including Joe Willock.
Joe Willock warms up for Newcastle United against Leeds United in the Premier League.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Yoane Wissa to Newcastle United allowed Joe Willock’s friend to get a transfer
Interestingly, the Newcastle United midfielder already has a reason to be fond of Wissa.
That is because his move to St James’ Park allowed Willock’s best friend Reiss Nelson to get a move to Brentford.
During an interview with Brentford’s official website, director of football Phil Giles explained how Wissa’s exit opened the door for Nelson to arrive on loan from Arsenal.
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“Towards the end of the window when things started to become a bit more active around Yoane’s situation and there was a feeling that maybe his valuation might get met at some point, you start to make sure you have options on the table,” he said.
“Reiss [Nelson] coming in for example wasn’t something that, a week ago, was necessarily nailed and planned, but he’s a player who we’ve known for a long, long time.”
Nelson and Willock came through the Arsenal academy together, and have continued their friendship after the latter’s departure from North London.
Had Nelson remained at Arsenal beyond deadline day, he would have spent the first half of the season on the sidelines. He was not part of Mikel Arteta’s plans, so Willock will be very happy that his close pal is getting an opportunity at Brentford.
Ironically, it is an opportunity that might not have come about had Wissa not got his move to Tyneside.
When does Joe Willock’s Newcastle United contract expire?
As Nelson attempts to impress at Brentford, Willock is fighting for his Newcastle United future.
The 26-year-old’s Toon contract expires in 2027, meaning he is in the final two years of his deal.
Therefore, Newcastle need to make a decision regarding his future in the next 12 months. That either means offering Willock an extension or selling him.
That will largely depend on how he plays for Eddie Howe’s side this season. Willock is yet to play a single minute, having missed the opening Premier League game against Aston Villa due to injury.
He was then an unused substitute against Liverpool and Leeds, and will hope to feature for the Magpies after the international break.