With under a year left on his contract, Willock was expected to move during a summer overhaul. Newcastle rejected a reported £17 million bid from Besiktas, and Willock says he is happy to remain and feels reinvigorated under Matthias Jaissle.
Willock says he feels valued under new manager Matthias Jaissle and has a "new lease of life."
The 27-year-old scored twice in Newcastle’s first five matches, including in the Carabao Cup at Millwall.
Newcastle plans to open talks about a 12-month contract extension after Willock stayed beyond the transfer window.
# What happened Joe Willock entered the summer with less than a year remaining on his Newcastle contract and was widely expected to be among players moved during a major squad overhaul. Besiktas submitted what Sky Sports' Keith Downie described as a best offer of £17 million, but Newcastle rejected the bid.
Willock stayed at St. James' Park and has now spoken publicly about his situation. He says he is "happy to still be here," calls Newcastle a "massive club," and describes feeling valued under new head coach Matthias Jaissle. Willock added that the manager has given him a "new lease of life."
# How Willock has responded on the pitch Willock, 27, has delivered early-season contributions under Jaissle. He has scored twice in Newcastle's opening five matches in all competitions, with one of those goals coming during the Carabao Cup win at Millwall. Those performances appear to have influenced Newcastle's decision to keep him in the squad.
# Contract situation and next steps
# What Willock says about his role Willock framed this season as different for him personally. He noted it is his fifth year at the club and said he is "maturing in the way I think towards the team and getting older." He pointed to a new role helping younger players and balancing that with his own ambitions: "There are a lot of young players coming in. It's a different role for me this season. I want to help others and push on in my career as well."
# Manager and club context
# Practical takeaway for fans Newcastle kept Willock rather than cashing in at around £17 million. Expect him to be part of Jaissle's plans for the immediate future and to see him take on a role that blends on-field contributions with mentoring younger midfield players. Contract extension talks appear likely in the near term, per local reporting.
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