Report: Newcastle reject £26m bid from Premier League rival for midfield ace | OneFootball

Newcastle Reject Fulham Bid for Joe Willock as January Window Nears Deadline

Newcastle United have rejected a £20 million approach from Fulham for midfielder Joe Willock, underlining their reluctance to weaken Eddie Howe’s squad late in the January transfer window.

According to reporting from talkSPORT, the London club made a formal bid in recent days, seeking to bring the former Arsenal player back to the capital. However, Newcastle have moved swiftly to dismiss the offer, citing concerns over squad depth and the lack of suitable replacement options.

With the window entering its final phase, the situation highlights Newcastle’s delicate balancing act between managing finances and maintaining competitiveness across domestic and European competitions.

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Newcastle Transfer Strategy in Final Days of Window

Newcastle’s decision to reject Fulham’s proposal reflects a broader approach that prioritises squad stability over short-term financial gain.

Willock, who joined permanently from Arsenal in 2021, remains under contract until June 2027. That long-term deal gives Newcastle significant leverage in negotiations and reduces any immediate pressure to sell. While the midfielder has not been a consistent starter this season, he continues to be viewed internally as a valuable rotational option.

The club’s recruitment team are also mindful of the challenges involved in sourcing midfield reinforcements at this stage of the market. With limited time remaining, inflated prices and restricted availability make late-window replacements risky.

Sources close to the situation indicate that Newcastle would only consider a sale if a suitable successor could be secured simultaneously, something that has not yet materialised.

Willock’s Role Under Eddie Howe This Season

Joe Willock’s campaign has been shaped by limited starts and increased competition in midfield, yet his influence has not entirely diminished.

The 26-year-old has started just seven matches in all competitions this season, often featuring from the bench. The emergence of Bruno Guimarães, Joelinton and Sandro Tonali has reduced opportunities in central areas, pushing Willock into a more supporting role.

Despite this, he delivered a reminder of his quality with a crucial equaliser against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, demonstrating his ability to impact high-level fixtures.

In interviews, Willock has acknowledged the difficulty of maintaining confidence without regular minutes, admitting that recent months have tested his resilience. Nevertheless, coaching staff continue to praise his professionalism and training standards.

From Newcastle’s perspective, retaining an experienced, adaptable midfielder remains important as they juggle league and European commitments.

Fulham’s Interest and Marco Silva’s Midfield Plans

Fulham’s pursuit of Willock is closely linked to Marco Silva’s efforts to strengthen his midfield options for the second half of the season.

The West London side view the Newcastle player as an ideal fit for their system, offering energy, ball-carrying ability and Premier League experience. His previous connections with Arsenal academy graduates at Craven Cottage, including Emile Smith Rowe and Alex Iwobi, further enhanced his appeal.

Fulham’s £20 million bid, first reported by talkSPORT, was designed to test Newcastle’s resolve rather than force an immediate breakthrough. Club officials were aware that negotiations would be difficult, particularly so late in the window.

While Willock is understood to be open to the prospect of increased game time, there has been no formal request to leave, and he remains focused on his responsibilities at St James’ Park.

Contract Situation and Long-Term Implications

Willock’s contractual position places Newcastle in a strong negotiating stance, but it also raises longer-term considerations.

With two and a half years remaining on his deal, the club must decide whether he fits their future plans or represents a potential asset to monetise. Having signed him for around £25 million, Newcastle are conscious of protecting his market value.

Persistent injury issues in recent seasons have disrupted his development, making consistent availability a key factor in future evaluations. However, his past record, including seven consecutive Premier League goals during his initial loan spell, continues to underline his potential.

If playing time remains limited, interest from clubs such as Fulham may resurface in future windows. For now, Newcastle’s stance suggests that any exit will be carefully timed and strategically planned rather than rushed.

As the transfer deadline approaches, Willock’s immediate future appears settled, but his longer-term role remains an open question.