According to the Chronicle, Jetro Willems has told friends he “definitely” wants to join Newcastle – however he looks set to cost more than the £10m fee reported if we pursue a permanent deal.
Mark Douglas’ insightful new piece also reveals that several Premier League sides are now starting to monitor the Dutch international, but it seems his heart is set on a move to St James’ Park.
That said, he reveals that we’ll have to pay more than the £10m initially reported if we wish to turn his loan deal into a permanent one – not that this should be a problem based on his superb form so far this season.
Here’s a snippet from the Chronicle’s latest piece on the Frankfurt loanee:
“It’s no wonder other Premier League teams are starting to monitor the 25-year-old, just in case Newcastle decide not to exercise the option they have on him.
“The good news on that front? Willems has told friends he would definitely like to join Newcastle at the end of the season – not that the defender, who is a fairly laidback character off-the-field, would go shouting the odds about it.
“There has been some talk of United fast-tracking the deal but according to sources close to the player, Newcastle’s option to buy only becomes available to trigger in April.
“Although the player would welcome a January resolution to the deal – which would presumably require some negotiation with parent club Eintracht Frankfurt to bring the move forward – there has been no contact made by Newcastle yet and it does not seem a priority for United at the moment.
“One point to be noted: German media have reported the clause is around £10million but that’s not quite accurate. The price is actually “to the north” of the £10million fee mentioned, according to those with knowledge of the agreement struck in the summer between United and the Bundesliga side.”
Even if the fee was closer to £15m, it’s a reasonable fee for a player of his quality – especially when he’s already proven he can cut it at Premier League level.
Yes, Salomon Rondon impressed on loan and then failed to re-sign, but it seems his age was the biggest barrier for Mike Ashley. The same can not be said about Willems, however, with the 25-year-old Dutchman fitting into the NUFC owners tedious transfer blue print.
It’s slightly frustrating to hear we haven’t been on the phone to Frankfurt to get a permanent deal tied up ASAP, but with him clearly so eager to extend his stay, you’d like to think this is a deal we can wrap up pretty easily next summer.
