Report: Crystal Palace could make January move to sign Newcastle United star | OneFootball

Palace Monitor Midfield Opportunity as Newcastle Weigh Major January Decisions

Crystal Palace have entered the conversation for a midfielder who once looked like the heartbeat of a rejuvenated Newcastle side. According to The Telegraph, the South London club are exploring a January move for Joe Willock, a player whose trajectory has shifted dramatically over the past two seasons.

Willock’s Changing Role at Newcastle

Two years ago Willock was essential, driving Newcastle towards Champions League qualification with his athletic surges, timely contributions and relentless energy. The picture now feels different. Injuries last season hampered his rhythm and consistency, but even when chances arrived this year, he struggled to leave the imprint expected of him.

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The report describes Willock as having slipped to sixth in the midfield hierarchy after the arrival of Jacob Ramsey. That has naturally encouraged Palace, who sense an opportunity to bring him back to London. Newcastle paid around £21m for him and would want to recoup something close to that fee, particularly with profitability and sustainability rules influencing their winter activity.

Newcastle’s Balancing Act

There is also an important counterpoint. Eddie Howe has always preferred squad stability, especially mid-season, and demonstrated that faith by starting Willock in the 2-1 defeat to Marseille in the Champions League. That performance only added to the complexity. Willock was described as showing touches of his best self, carrying the ball forcefully, contributing to Harvey Barnes’s early goal and nearly producing a superb assist for Anthony Gordon.

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This glimpse of old form may create hesitation within Newcastle’s hierarchy. They have difficult decisions to make, especially with interest in Kees Smit from AZ Alkmaar. The report notes that Smit is being watched by major European clubs and would only join Newcastle if first-team minutes were guaranteed. That could force senior departures. Willock, with his resale value and uneven recent impact, becomes a logical candidate if the club are to create room both financially and structurally.

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Palace’s Perspective on a Midfield Addition

For Palace, the logic is simpler. They need more dynamism between the lines, someone who stretches games with direct running and intelligence. Willock fits that description and remains only 26. The Telegraph’s description of him as “a reminder of how good Willock can be” echoes precisely the profile Palace have lacked in phases this season.

If the deal progresses, this has the feeling of a mutually beneficial realignment, one shaped by squad evolution, ambition and the realities of January squad-building.

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Willock is the sort of midfielder Palace fans have long felt the squad needs, someone who carries the ball with purpose rather than simply recycling possession. Watching Palace across recent months, there has been a clear need for more vertical running, more bravery in midfield and more threat in transitions. Willock at his best offers exactly that, as highlighted by his driving run and near assist against Marseille.

Supporters will also remember his time at Arsenal, where his energy and timing arriving into the box stood out. A return to London could suit him, giving him the rhythm and confidence he has struggled to rediscover. Signing a 26-year-old with Premier League experience is far more appealing than relying on short-term loans or inconsistent prospects.

The financial aspect will be a concern for some. Matching a £21m valuation during a January window is a significant commitment for a club that often operates carefully. Yet fans also understand the urgency. Palace need to inject new life into the midfield, especially with long-standing absences and patchy form across the squad.

What excites supporters most is how Willock complements the style of play. His bursts from deep allow quicker connections with the forwards and add unpredictability. If Newcastle are open to negotiation, Palace fans would welcome this move as an ambitious and smart attempt to elevate the team.