Joe Willock has had an up-and-down season for Newcastle United, struggling for fitness and game time.
The midfielder was brought to the club in 2021 following a fantastic loan spell, but has only shown glimpses of what he is capable of since then.
Joe Willock was a key player in Newcastle United’s 2022/23 campaign, registering nine goal contributions and helping them return to the Champions League for the first time in 20 years. However, the 2023/24 campaign was a disastrous one, which was hampered by injuries.
Willock only played 13 games that season, losing his place in Newcastle’s starting XI in the process.
This season, Willock has made 26 Premier League appearances, with the majority of them coming from the bench due to how well the midfield three of Joelinton, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes have played.
There was discussion over whether Willock should be starting for Newcastle when Anthony Gordon was suspended following a moment of madness in the FA Cup against Brighton, but Harvey Barnes took the wingers place and has done excellent since.
Newcastle fans called for Willock to leave following a dreadful substitute appearance in the Magpies’ defeat to Fulham in February. Although he is 25, the lack of game time is concerning.
With speculation over his future mounting, Willock has commented on how he feels about life in Newcastle.
Photo by George Wood/Getty ImagesJoe Willock talks life in Newcastle amid exit talk
Newcastle endured a difficult start to the season, which saw them heading towards mid-table mediocrity. There were calls for Eddie Howe to be sacked by Newcastle. However, he has proven his naysayers wrong with his brilliant form as of late.
It was revealed last October that Newcastle’s backroom staff were frustrated with Willock, claiming they expected to see more from him this season but understood that a lack of minutes has been a hindrance.
Willock missed Newcastle’s win against Manchester United with a concussion, but there was very little chance we would have played anyway.
The Newcastle star took part in the Premier League’s No Room for Racism campaign, which was recognised around the country last weekend.
During an interview, Willock was asked how he is finding life in Newcastle at the moment and how special it is to be in the city.
“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.
“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.”
There is no news on whether Willock will be available to play against Crystal Palace on Wednesday night after concussion protocols prohibited him from being included in the matchday squad against Man United.
Shola Ameobi caught up in hilarous moment with young Newcastle United fan
Shola Ameobi is a legend at Newcastle. Coming through the academy on Tyneside, the striker played over 300 games for the Magpies, scoring 53 goals.
Now 43, Ameobi has taken up the role of loan manager at Newcastle. However, the moves he has sent some Newcastle players on have not proven to be positive.
Garang Kuol struggled on loan at Hearts and FC Volendam, while more recently, Charlie McArthur endured a managerial sacking at Carlisle.
Ameobi will be known to many older fans, but less so by the younger ones. During the video, a child came up to the former Newcastle striker and asked if he was Willock’s coach.
Ameobi could only laugh and tell him that he is not his coach, but he does work with him.