Joe Willock has already made his feelings clear about his Newcastle United future amid rumours regarding a move away.
The 25-year-old is only a squad player for Newcastle United nowadays, with Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton establishing themselves as Eddie Howe’s best midfield trio.
While the Magpies need squad depth ahead of their return to the Champions League, there is speculation that Joe Willock could be on his way out of St James’ Park.
It has been reported that Willock is expected to leave Newcastle, four years after joining the club permanently from Arsenal.
He could now have the chance to return to London, with Crystal Palace interested in Willock.
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Joe Willock loves Newcastle life amid exit rumours
However, Tyneside has become Willock’s home, and it remains to be seen whether he will be willing to wave goodbye to the North East after becoming so settled.
During an interview in April, Willock spoke about loving life in Newcastle after initially taking time to get used to life away from London.
“It’s everything to me,” he said.
“The fans, I feel like they give so much back when we play for them, so we can just thank them.
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“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.”
Joe Willock was ‘homesick’ after Newcastle United transfer
It was a difficult start to life in the North East for Willock.
After spending half a season on loan, Willock signed for Newcastle permanently for £25million in the summer of 2021.
It was the first time he had been away from London, having spent his entire career at Arsenal up until that point. It was a seismic change to the midfielder’s life, and Willock admitted in 2023 that it was initially very difficult to adapt.
“Newcastle is my home now,” he told the Telegraph.
“I love the place, the fans, the people, the city. But to be honest with you I was really homesick. It lasted the whole of that first season. I was so used to my London ways. I was close to my family and everything was the same.
“Suddenly I was at the other end of the country, living on my own. It was difficult. I was miserable at times.”
No matter what happens this summer, Willock has grown as a person thanks to his move to Newcastle United.
After learning to live on his own away from his family in London, the midfielder could now be faced with another major decision. Another fresh start could beckon, with speculation that he could be sold.
Either Willock’s love for life in Newcastle will see him remain at the club, or his ability to adapt to change after leaving London will give him encouragement to do it again.