Former Newcastle player Jetro Willems now on trial at new club

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When Newcastle United beat Chelsea 1-0 on January 18th 2020, Jetro Willems‘ career changed forever.

The Dutchman was on loan with the Magpies at the time, and had enjoyed a bright start to his Toon career. It included a couple of brilliant goals against Liverpool and Manchester City, while he appeared to strike up a great understanding with Allan Saint-Maximin.

The left-back was becoming a bit of a fan favourite at St James’ Park, but then his Newcastle career was over in a flash. 10 minutes into that game against Chelsea, Willems had to be withdrawn on a stretcher. He tore is anterior cruciate ligament, meaning his season was over and so was his loan spell on Tyneside.

Since then, Willems’ career has not gone to plan.

What happened to Jetro Willems after Newcastle injury

After picking up a season-ending injury, Willems loan at Newcastle was cut short.

While he went through rehab to return to fitness, there was constant talk about a return to the North East. It was even reported that he wanted to make the move.

However, a second chance at Newcastle was not forthcoming. After a year out with an injury, Willems was back at Frankfurt but didn’t play. He was then released in the summer of 2021.

That led to a move to Greuter Furth, who were playing in the Bundesliga at the time. He signed a two-year deal with the German side, but didn’t see it out.

Willems’ contract was terminated back in September last year, and he is still looking for a new club. And he might finally be in luck.

Willems back in the Netherlands

The 28-year-old is now back in the Netherlands, where he has spent most of his career. He started off at Sparta Rotterdam before joining PSV Eindhoven.

Now Willems is at Groningen, where he has been given a trial to potentially earn a permanent contract. He has passed the physical tests required, and it is now up to him to impress in training.

If he does join the Dutch side, he will have a tough job on his hands. Groningen are currently bottom of the Eredivisie, with relegation on the cards.

Hopefully his trial is a successful one, and Willems is able to get himself a contract. He still has a lot to offer at the age of 28, and it is such a shame that his best years have been blighted by that injury at St James’ Park three years ago.