Joe Willock 'will leave Newcastle' in 2027 after admission

Joe Willock is increasingly likely to leave Newcastle United in 2027 amid ongoing interest from Turkish giants Besiktas.

The 27-year-old was a high-profile target for the Turkish outfit, who saw a £17million offer rejected by Newcastle in the closing stages of the window and ultimately missed out.

His contract is set to expire at the end of the season as things stand, and he will be allowed to sign a pre-contract agreement when the January transfer window opens.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider he expects Willock to leave Newcastle and was surprised an agreement wasn't reached in the summer.

The midfielder has been a regular feature under Matthias Jaissle so far this season, with three Premier League starts and two goals to his name from their five games so far.

However, Besiktas president Serdal Adali recently revealed he had flown Willock's family out to Istanbul, and finished by saying: "We can sign him in January. In fact, I will sign him."

Will Joe Willock be allowed to leave Newcastle?

Football Insider revealed on 8 September that Newcastle could offer Willock a new contract if he continues to perform for a high level under Jaissle's leadership.

Despite that strong start to the season, however, there is a feeling the midfielder would be keen to move on in 2027, whether that is in January or upon the expiry of his contract.

Besiktas are still pushing to get a deal over the line, and having laid the groundwork during the summer, they are now well-placed to land Willock's signature.

"I was surprised that Willock was still at Newcastle after the summer window," Brown told Football Insider.

"There has been a lot of interest in him and I'm not totally convinced he is part of the long-term plans at Newcastle, but I think the problem was they couldn't get a replacement.

"But now Besiktas' owner has come out and claimed they will sign Willock in January or next summer, and given his contract situation, there is every chance of that happening.

"If he's not going to sign a new deal, and it doesn't seem like he will at the moment, then he will leave Newcastle at some stage next year.

"That move to Turkey seems most likely for him now, so either Newcastle can look to sell him in January, or they will lose him for free when his contract expires."

Which other clubs are interested in signing Willock?

Willock is now edging towards the end of his contract at Newcastle, and that has placed a number of clubs across Europe on high alert, not just Bestikas.

Despite the Turkish club's public declaration of their interest, alongside their efforts to convince him and his family of the move, they will face competition for his signature.

Brown told Football Insider earlier this year that Leeds are strong admirers of Willock and have been keeping a close eye on his situation at St James' Park.

Daniel Farke is believed to be a big fan of the midfielder and believes he would be a good fit for their style of play at Elland Road.

Should he become available on a free transfer, Leeds, Besiktas and a number of clubs across Europe are likely to step up their interest in what could be a tough battle.