‘Release him immediately’ – Newcastle fans tear into starter who is ‘stealing a living’
Newcastle fans have lambasted Joe Willock and demanded that he is sold after his poor showing in their FA Cup win against Bournemouth.
Willock has been on the fringes of Newcastle‘s starting eleven for a while now due to the midfield quality at Eddie Howe‘s disposal.
The former Arsenal man started just 11 Premier League games last season, while he has now made 17 appearances so far in 2025-26 across all competitions.
Willock has been linked with a move to Leeds in the January window, with chances at a premium, but he was handed a rare chance to impress from the off against Bournemouth on Saturday.
Newcastle beat the Cherries on penalties as a frantic encounter ended 3-3 after extra-time, but the 26-year-old did little to help his team on their way to victory.
Willock was totally ineffective despite Newcastle’s win against Bournemouth
Willock was handed a start in an unfamiliar right-wing role to give Anthony Gordon a rest, but he failed to take his chance and rarely got into good attacking positions throughout the game.
He failed to test Djordje Petrovic in the Bournemouth goal from the two shots he took, while also making just one pass into the final third.
The 26-year-old did not complete a dribble all game, and he won just one of his six ground duels, while also losing both of the aerial duels that he attempted.
He was hauled off by Howe in the 70th minute, with Gordon his replacement, who went on to play a key part in the win with a goal and an assist.
Football Insider recently revealed that Willock is open to leaving Newcastle in January, and Howe may well be open to letting him leave after another ineffective showing.
Willock heavily criticised by Newcastle fans for Bournemouth showing
Willock was slammed by Newcastle fans last month as he was handed a rare start against Fulham in the Carabao Cup.
His lack of match sharpness was on show once more at St James’ Park on Saturday, after being given just 17 minutes of game-time in the Magpies’ previous five matches combined.
Newcastle’s fans did not take Willock’s poor performance well, with one taking to X to say: I sincerely mean this with all my heart, I hope that’s the last time I ever have to see Joe Willock in a Newcastle shirt, absolutely robbing a living.”
Another added: “Never want to see Willock kick a ball for us again.“
While one supporter posted to say: “(Willock) has picked up about £4 million since he last scored a goal! Gives us nothing. May as well play with 10! Stealing a living! Should’ve been gone long ago!