In a recent report, The Athletic has revealed that Newcastle United are eager to retain Joe Willock’s services beyond this summer. It is believed that the Magpies are open to signing the English midfield ace on loan from Arsenal for another season (via The Athletic).
Willock’s Decent Loan Spell At Tyneside So Far
Willock is having an impressive spell at St. James’ Park since joining on loan from the Gunners back in January. The London-born sensation has registered three goals in nine appearances for the Tyneside outfit this term across all fronts.
The 21-year-old has influenced the game at both ends of the field after averaging 2.0 tackles, 1.6 interceptions, 0.9 clearances, 0.8 shots, 0.7 key passes and 1.3 dribbles per game in the Premier League this season. However, Willock needs to improve his accuracy when distributing possession from midfield based on his pass completion rate of 73% in league football (stats via whoscored).
Willock is playing some of the best football of his young career under Steve Bruce’s tutelage in recent weeks, so it makes a lot of sense for the player to extend his time with the Magpies as he could potentially become an influential member of their first-team next season.
Keeping Willock Beyond This Summer: Wise Move For The Magpies?
Willock is a moderately paced midfielder who can do a bit of everything at the centre of the park. He can keep the ball moving in midfield and has also shown during his spell at Newcastle that he can score the odd goal from time to time (which, to be fair to Willock, he also did at Arsenal). Hence, retaining the English youngster’s services beyond the end of this campaign seems like a wise move for Bruce as he has what it takes to be a top performer for the Magpies next season.
The Tyneside giants might struggle to find the funds to bring Willock to St. James’ Park permanently this summer, so arranging another loan move could be a good option for everyone involved as the midfielder will be guaranteed regular playing minutes under Bruce. Newcastle also cannot afford to lose any more quality if they are to avoid another relegation scare in the Premier League next season.
At the moment, all signs point towards Willock enjoying his football under Bruce’s stewardship. Therefore, the Magpies would be clever in keeping him for another year as he already knows the club well by now and has built up good chemistry with his teammates.
