Crystal Palace are preparing for life without Daichi Kamada and have reportedly set their sights on a Newcastle United midfielder. Kamada is expected to leave Selhurst Park when his contract expires in June.
Kamada will be a big miss for Palace, given his important role in the FA Cup win last season. The 29-year-old has been with the Eagles since the summer of 2024.
Steve Parish’s transfer chiefs will be signing a Kamada replacement for a new manager as Oliver Glasner is also leaving at the end of the season. The recruitment staff appear keen on bringing Joe Willock back to the English capital.
Crystal Palace eyeing Joe Willock
Willock has found game time hard to come by at Newcastle in recent years. He is behind Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton in Eddie Howe’s pecking order.
The 26-year-old has started just six of 17 Premier League games this season and is without a goal or an assist. He’s been at St James’ Park since August 2021, when he arrived from Arsenal.
Football Insider reports that Palace have been interested in Willock and that a return to London could “well appeal.” He will have a year left on his contract this summer, which could help the South Londoners.
Willock’s relationship with the Toon Army has soured, with supporters critical of his performances. He shushed fans after scoring in a 1-1 draw against Paris Saint-Germain last month.
| Joe Willock (Premier League 2025-26) | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Appearances: | 17 |
| Goals: | 0 |
| Assists: | 0 |
| Key passes: | 1 |
| Successful dribbles: | 0.4 (46%) |
| Ground duels won: | 1.6 (41%) |
| Aerial duels won: | 0.2 (27%) |
The Englishman has enjoyed some highs with the Magpies, including scoring in seven consecutive games during his initial loan season. His manager, Eddie Howe, called him “excellent” back in the 2022-23 campaign.
No brainer
There is a chance to sign Willock in a cut-price deal, given he’s entering the final year of his contract with Newcastle. He’s not a game-changing signing by any means, but he has Premier League experience and is effective.
Willock possesses a versatile profile, able to play in central and attacking midfield aswell as out wide. He has posted 19 goals and nine assists in 172 games for the Tyneside outfit.
Palace could face competition from Leeds United, who are reportedly also eyeing the former Arsenal man. A return to London might help aid the Eagles if they were to be involved in a two-horse race for the midfielder.
Willock is still relatively young and could therefore be a long-term fixture in midfield. If he’s available for a reasonable price, then it’s a market opportunity that should be capitalised on.
