Newcastle United might be able to sign Joe Willock permanently from Arsenal after all.
When reports of a return first emerged, it looked like the midfielder would be coming back to St James’ Park on loan.
That made sense, with Mike Ashley unwilling to invest big money while the future of the club remained in limbo.
But with the takeover on hold once again, perhaps Ashley is going to spend some cash.
According to the Telegraph, Newcastle are willing to pay what Arsenal want to sign Willock, despite their small budget.
That fee is £22million. It would be the second most expensive signing in the club’s history. Only Joelinton has cost more.
It would be a huge signing by Newcastle, and one that would infuriate some Arsenal fans, who feel £22million isn’t enough for the 21-year-old.
But if the Magpies do negotiate a permanent deal for Willock, there is one thing they simply must not do.
Newcastle must not include a buyback clause for Arsenal in any Joe Willock deal
When big clubs sell youth prospects who haven’t hit the heights expected, they often include a buyback clause. It’s basically an insurance policy just in case said player actually kicks on proves their former club wrong.
Manchester City did it with Kelechi Iheanacho and Douglas Luiz, while Liverpool did the same with Rhian Brewster when he joined Sheffield United.
These clauses can often include an expiry date, but they still boast a huge risk.
Newcastle must not allow Arsenal to do the same if they sign Willock. It’s a risk that is not worth taking.
While it would be beneficial for the Gunners, it would be against our best interests.
If Willock enjoyed a rich vein of form and bigger clubs became keen, it would be Arsenal who would likely benefit. They could re-sign him, then sell him on again to the highest bidder.
Including a buyback clause would effectively ruin any sell-on value that Willock had, rendering the investment pointless from Ashley’s perspective.
Signing Willock is a must, but we can’t afford to give Arsenal a chance to rectify their mistake.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
