Jetro Willems was 'desperate' to join Newcastle United on a permanent basis, before a cruciate ligament injury ruled him out for the remainder of the season, with the Dutchman now returning to parent club Eintracht Frankfurt.
The 25-year-old was a popular figure in the north-east after he quickly adapted to life under Steve Bruce, showing off his ability at both ends of the pitch with goals against Liverpool and Manchester City.
Willems might have left early, but someone close to the player has shed more light on his time at St. James' Park and how the Netherlands international was desperate to join the Magpies on a permanent basis at the end of the season.
"Jetro is a very strong character and he has a very strong mentality," a source close to Willems told Chronicle Live. "He was really enjoying his time at Newcastle, he loved the club and its supporters and he was really desperate to sign in the summer.
"It is not his last game for Newcastle. He will definitely be back - he will 100% come back to Newcastle.
"The injury was a total shock but at times like this, you just all come together to support him. Newcastle have been great, they’ve been really supportive of Jetro. There’s no complaints there."
As part of Willems' initial loan, Newcastle United had the option to make the move permanent for £10m - more than double what Eintracht Frankfurt paid for the Dutchman back in 2017.
While Willems can still return at the end of the season, it's been suggested that both clubs will enter talks to renegotiate a more appropriate fee.
Willems scored two goals and assisted three more in 20 games for Newcastle in all competitions before this injury.
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Source :
90min
