Credit: Imago

Oliver Walton

Mon 25 May 2026 10:00, UK

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Joe Willock surely has no future at Newcastle United after fans laid into him for a weak attempt at defending before they conceded against Fulham on Sunday.

Newcastle slipped to a 2-0 defeat at Fulham as the curtain fell on the 2025-26 Premier League campaign and they finished in a disappointing 12th place.

Willock was a late inclusion to Eddie Howe’s starting eleven after Sandro Tonali suffered an injury in the warm-up at Craven Cottage.

The 26-year-old midfielder did not impress, and one particular moment encapsulated his poor performances throughout the campaign.

He could well be included in Newcastle’s transfer plans this summer, with a midfield overhaul possibly on the horizon for Howe.

Joe Willock must have played his final Newcastle game vs Fulham

Willock has already caused anger among the Magpies’ fanbase in recent weeks after he was seen arguing with Bruno Guimaraes in their win over West Ham on 17 May.

The pair seemed to brush aside any claims of a bigger bust-up on social media, but the former Arsenal man has certainly not helped his cause with their fans by impressing on the pitch this season.

His 10th league start of the campaign played out in an all too obvious fashion, as he struggled to get to grips with the physicality and fitness of Alex Iwobi and Sander Berge.

Willock’s statistics from the clash paint the picture of a struggling midfielder, and one flashpoint in particular summed his season up as he flung a half-hearted leg at Kevin’s first half free kick before Diop eventually scored the opener.

The zoomed-in clip of Willock was uploaded onto X, with Newcastle fans such as Geordie Josh commenting: “Just a reminder, Joe Willock said he would, and (that) Newcastle (players) already ‘die for the badge.’ I really, really, really, seriously dislike this moany, sulky human being.”

Many more flooded to the site to express their anger at Willock, and it really does seem like his time at the club is done this summer after many ups and downs over the last five-and-a-half years.

What is the latest on Willock’s Newcastle future?

Football Insider previously revealed that Leeds were eyeing a move for Willock, with Newcastle open to selling him for the right price in the January window.

He has only managed 10 starts in the Premier League this season, but will certainly feel like he still has a lot to offer in the top flight at 26-years-old.

Crystal Palace have also been linked with a move for his services, and a return to the capital could well appeal if they continue to keep tabs on his availability ahead of the summer.

Sources have exclusively told Football Insider this week that Newcastle are ready to sell Willock this summer, so an exit seems inevitable as Howe plans to bolster his midfield depth.