“SHOCKER: £25M Newcastle Star’s Future SEALED After Eddie Howe’s BOMBSHELL Decision – You WON’T Believe Where He’s Headed!”

Newcastle United’s frustrating run of goalless away draws in the Premier League finally ended, but not in the way they would have hoped.

Despite taking the lead through Nick Woltemade’s trademark flicked finish, the Magpies succumbed to a 2-1 defeat against Brighton, with Danny Welbeck netting twice to secure all three points for the hosts.

The match exposed deeper issues within Eddie Howe’s squad, particularly in midfield.

Newcastle’s starting trio of Joelinton, Sandro Tonali, and Bruno Guimaraes all found themselves substituted as Howe chased victory late on at the Amex Stadium.

The most notable absentee was Joe Willock, who once again failed to get off the bench — a strong indicator that his influence and role within the team have diminished significantly.

Willock’s omission came even as Howe shuffled his midfield options.

At half-time, he replaced Joelinton with teenage prodigy Lewis Miley, a decision that paid off immediately when Miley’s delivery set up Woltemade’s equaliser.

Later, when Tonali was withdrawn, it was summer signing Jacob Ramsey who came on — a player who, like Willock, thrives in a box-to-box role.

The message was clear: Ramsey is now ahead of Willock in the pecking order. To compound matters, Howe introduced striker William Osula for Bruno Guimaraes late on, meaning every available attacking substitute was used except Willock.

Given that Willock’s contract runs until the summer of 2027, Newcastle could look to cash in next year while his value remains relatively high.

It increasingly feels like the end of the road for the former Arsenal man at St. James’ Park.

Willock’s story at Newcastle began with great promise. After joining on loan from Arsenal in 2021, he became an instant hit, scoring in seven consecutive Premier League games — a record for the youngest player ever to do so.

His explosive form convinced the Magpies to make his move permanent for £25 million that summer, months before the club’s Saudi-led takeover and Howe’s appointment as manager.

Initially, Willock remained a key figure under Howe, starting 31 league games during the 2022–23 campaign that saw Newcastle qualify for the Champions League.

However, big-money midfield arrivals and recurring injuries have since curtailed his progress. He managed only five league starts in the 2023–24 season and just 11 appearances overall.

This term, Willock has played a mere 87 minutes in the league, and his continued exclusion — even when Newcastle were searching for creativity and goals against Brighton — speaks volumes.

Once a vital part of the club’s resurgence, Joe Willock now looks set to be one of the casualties of Newcastle’s evolution under Howe.