Re-signing Joe Willock on loan could help Newcastle United free up funds to strengthen elsewhere this summer, according to The Athletic.
Doesn’t it depend on staying up?
It certainly does seem that way.
Over the weekend, the print edition of the Sunday Mirror revealed that Newcastle were eager to bring the 21-year-old back to the club after a successful loan stint so far but Arsenal would prefer the player to continue his development in the Premier League if they were going to agree to such a deal.
How is he settling in?
According to Chris Waugh’s report yesterday, Willock has settled in well off the pitch and is held in high regard amongst those behind the scenes.
Already averaging the most tackles per game (2.3 via WhoScored) and having scored twice – as many as summer signing Jeff Hendrick and more than Jonjo Shelvey – Willock has been a productive signing. So, it’s promising to see the club would like to bring him back, though it seems wholly dependent on whether or not they can hold Fulham off.
What has Steve Bruce said about him?
Following Willock’s debut in the home win against Southampton in February, Bruce hailed the England U21 international as a ‘terrific athlete’ and said he is a ‘typical modern-day midfielder.’
Where else needs strengthening?
During the delayed summer transfer window, the club reportedly attempted a move to sign Rob Holding on loan from Arsenal, so it would appear as if Bruce would like to bring in another central defender if the numbers allow.
Should they prove able to bring Willock back next season, perhaps funds will be freed up in order to make that happen. With the likes of Achraf Lazaar and DeAndre Yedlin having left the club after clogging up the wage bill, the idea of further strengthening might be more realistic in a few months’ time.
Providing, of course, they stay in the division.
