Paul Merson believes Joe Willock’s move to Newcastle will be a deal that works very nicely for both parties, saying he’s a “big fan” of our latest loan recruit.
The 21-year-old sealed a move to St James’ Park just minutes before last night’s 11pm deadline, and he seems to be a player the former Gunners star rates highly.
The Gillette Soccer Saturday pundit believes the move gives the midfielder a “massive” chance to prove himself on a weekly basis at Premier League level – but also feels the England U-21 star is a “very good player” who will only improve Steve Bruce’s starting 11.
Here’s what Merson told Sky Sports when asked if Willock will be a good signing:
“Yeh I think so”
“These kids – I still call them kids as they haven’t got 300, 400 games under their belt – they need to get out and play.
“If you can get a loan move and you’re playing in the Premier League, that’s a massive bonus.
“So yeh, I think that works both ways.
“If he went to Newcastle it’s good for him and great for Newcastle as well.”
“I think he creates a better team for Newcastle.
“I’m a big fan.
Merson insists that Willock is only a ‘stop gap’ for the club, however, saying there’s only so excited fans can get when there’ll be no ‘option to buy’ included in the deal:
“If you’re a Newcastle fan it’s just a ‘stop gap’ for the next three of four months.
“If you thought there was an option for Newcastle to buy them then ‘wow’, as a Newcastle fan I’d get excited as he’s a very good player.
“Again, where are Newcastle going?
“But I am a big fan”
He makes a fair point, but the reality is that we’ll never been going anywhere of note until Mike Ashley sells the club.
Let’s hope Willock can come in, make an immediate impact and help make sure we aren’t flirting with danger come May!
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