Jetro Willems has done more than enough to earn permanent contract
By Durim Halimi
Newcastle United loanee Jetro Willems is our for the season with a knee injury, but has he done enough to earn a permanent contract?
According a new report, Newcastle United have officially ruled Jetro Willems out for the remainder of the season after the wing-back tore some ligaments in his knee in the early stages of the Chelsea game on Saturday. The report goes on to say that Newcastle United are also considering to cut his loan deal short and send him back to Eintracht Frankfurt.
The news of this injury is a major blow for Steve Bruce and his squad. Willems was one of the highest rated players in most games for Newcastle United and he also managed to contribute two goals and two assists despite playing in a defensive role.
Prior to this injury, the Toon Army was thrilled to hear rumors that Newcastle United and Eintracht Frankfurt had already agreed to a fee that would see Willems stay on Tyneside permanently in April. However, this injury seems to have changed things in a big way.
Since Willems is Frankfurt’s player it makes sense that the Magpies would send him back to receive proper treatment and recovery training from his parent club, especially since they could not sign him permanently until April due to their initial agreement with German club. In other words, Newcastle United have limited options in this scenario.
It must be said, though, that Willems has done enough to earn a permanent contract with Newcastle United. The club might see him as a risky signing going forward, be he is worth the risk since he is valued at the exact same price as Yoshinori Muto. Of all the summer signings, Willems adapted to English football right away, solidified his place in the starting lineup and was one of the most consistent players in the squad.
Yes, Willems was much better on the ball higher up the pitch than he was off the ball defending players on the wing, but he was decent defensively. More importantly, he enjoyed playing against elite teams as and his effort in those games are a big reason why the Magpies have caused a few upsets this season.
Newcastle United have some time to think about their next steps regarding Willems’ future, but, in my opinion, Willems has done enough to secure a permanent deal with Newcastle United. He will most likely be sidelined for the next nine to twelve months, but the 25-year-old still has his best years ahead of him.