Newcastle United

Newcastle United: Malcolm Macdonald drops Joe Willock claim following transfer deadline

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Image for Newcastle United: Malcolm Macdonald drops Joe Willock claim following transfer deadline

Former Newcastle United player Malcolm Macdonald has been discussing Joe Willock and his potential emotions following his permanent move to St. James’ Park this summer.

22-year-old Willock was the only senior signing that Newcastle United made during the summer transfer window, although not through a lack of trying.

Some reports had suggested that Newcastle boss Steve Bruce had ‘four or five’ loan targets in mind to help improve a squad that up until April of last season, were being tipped as potential candidates for relegation.

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However, as the deadline came and went, there were no further additions to the senior squad, with only Santiago Munoz coming in elsewhere, though he will be used in the academy more than the first team.

And speaking about the deal on the latest edition of NUFC Matters, Macdonald felt that Willock would be absolutely furious with the way the club went about their business in the window, and that based on what he’s seen recently in Newcastle’s performances, that it could be another worrying campaign for the club:

“I would imagine that Willock, beyond all the other players, will be quite angry that there wasn’t further strengthening beyond him.

“And I think we saw last Saturday that it’s going to be a very long season, let’s put it that way. Things aren’t right, that’s for sure.”

TIF Thoughts on Malcolm Macdonald’s comments about Joe Willock and Newcastle United…

Who got the better end of the Joe Willock deal?

Arsenal

Arsenal

Newcastle

Newcastle

You can certainly understand where Macdonald might be coming from in his assessment. The fact that Willock signed on a permanent deal with a six-year contract shows that he clearly wanted to be part of the club for the long run rather than just trying out for another season with the hope that he might be able to force his way into the Arsenal team.

So he clearly bought into the club for the future, but the way things are looking right now at St. James’ Park, there isn’t really much of a future for them to bank on, not at least until the takeover situation is resolved, and that could take some time.

If Newcastle do find themselves relegated this season because of their lack of investment, then you would understand why someone like Willock would be upset that he joined a club that could have had a promising future, but instead could potentially be on the way down when it could easily have been avoided.

In other news: ‘It’s absolutely criminal’ – Liam Kennedy blasts ‘ludicrous’ Newcastle decision

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Freelance sports journalist & broadcaster.