Joe Willock’s future at Newcastle United is starting to look increasingly uncertain as the January transfer window gathers pace, with Leeds United once again circling and ready to make a move if the right conditions fall into place.
While nothing concrete emerged during the summer following Leeds’ return to the Premier League, the situation has shifted, and a mid-season exit now feels far more realistic for all parties involved.
Willock has never quite managed to lock down a consistent role under Eddie Howe this season. Injuries, competition for places, and tactical tweaks have all played a part, but the end result is clear: his minutes have been limited, and his impact has been minimal.
For a player who once looked like a guaranteed starter and a major attacking threat from midfield, this campaign has been a frustrating step backwards.
Leeds, meanwhile, are moving in the opposite direction. Daniel Farke has steadied the ship after a difficult start back in the top flight, and recent performances have given the club real belief that survival is achievable.
With that renewed confidence has come the expectation that the board will back their manager in January, especially in areas where the squad still lacks creativity and attacking spark.
Willock remains a name of interest at Elland Road. Leeds have admired him for a long time, viewing him as the kind of dynamic, forward-thinking midfielder who can carry the ball, break lines, and support the attack.
After missing out on Harry Wilson in the summer, Farke is still keen to add a player of a similar profile, someone who can unlock defences and give the team another attacking dimension in the second half of the season.
Reports suggest Leeds are not alone. Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace are also believed to be monitoring Willock’s situation closely, exploring the possibility of a January deal.
The key detail, however, is Newcastle’s stance. It is understood that the club would be willing to let Willock leave if a suitable offer arrives. That alone represents a shift from previous windows, when Newcastle were far more reluctant to weaken their midfield options.
Looking at Willock’s numbers this season, it is easy to see why a move could benefit everyone. He has made just 13 appearances in all competitions, totaling 463 minutes of football.
Three of those outings came in the Champions League, but even there, his role was limited. Most telling of all is the lack of end product. Willock has yet to score a single goal this season and has managed only one assist, which came in the EFL Cup.
For a player whose game is built around driving runs, late arrivals in the box, and goal contributions from midfield, those figures are disappointing. They do little to strengthen his case for more minutes at Newcastle, especially in a squad that is pushing for consistency across domestic and European competitions.
That said, Leeds may see this as an opportunity rather than a risk. Football history is full of examples where a change of scenery has reignited a player’s career.
Harry Wilson himself struggled for form at Fulham before Leeds showed interest, only for him to rediscover his confidence and make a real impact at Premier League level. Leeds will believe Willock could follow a similar path if given trust, regular starts, and a clearly defined role.
From Newcastle’s perspective, allowing Willock to leave could help freshen things up and potentially free funds or squad space for other needs.
For Willock, it could be the chance he desperately needs to reset, rebuild confidence, and remind everyone of the player he can be at his best. At Leeds, he would likely enjoy more responsibility and a system designed to get the most out of his strengths.
The transfer window is only just open, yet speculation is already spreading fast. Whether Leeds can turn interest into action will depend on negotiations, finances, and Newcastle’s final decision.
What is clear, though, is that Joe Willock stands at a crossroads. A January move could be the fresh start that changes the direction of his season, and possibly his career, for the better.
