Alan Shearer responds to Callum Wilson’s emotional Newcastle farewell
Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has responded to Callum Wilson’s emotional farewell message to the North East club.
Wilson has left St James’ Park as a free agent after scoring 49 goals in 130 appearances since joining from Bournemouth in 2020.
The striker impressively scored 18 goals in 31 Premier League outings as Newcastle qualified for the Champions League following a successful 2022/23 campaign.
However, in the last two seasons, Wilson deputised for the free-scoring Liverpool transfer target Alexander Isak.
Shearer responds as Wilson pens ‘unbelievable’ goodbye message to Newcastle
Wilson’s final Newcastle appearance arrived when Eddie Howe’s men were beaten 1-0 by Everton on the final day of the Premier League season on 25 May.
Following his St James’ Park exit, Wilson took to Instagram on Monday, 7 July, as he wrote: “To all you Magpies. It’s time to say goodbye after an unbelievable few years in the Toon.
“Thank you for everything. We stood strong together through the highs and some lows to help the club experience new heights.
“I am so proud to have worn the iconic number nine shirt and to have added a little more history to it. Scoring at the Gallowgate end really is as special as they say.
“All good things come to an end, but there’s no doubt Newcastle United will always have a place in mine and my family’s hearts.
“Thank you for the memories. CW9.”
Shearer commented: “Well done, Callum, and good luck going forward.”
Dominic Calvert-Lewin set to replace Wilson
Football Insider verdict
Partly thanks to Wilson’s departure, Howe is set to have a new look forward line at Newcastle next season, while the Magpies strive to achieve success both in the Champions League and the Premier League.
| Callum Wilson Newcastle stats | 2020-2025 |
| Appearances | 130 |
| Goals | 49 |
Above all, the North East outfit will be vying to retain the services of Isak amid the interest from top-flight champions.
But Howe must also utilise the summer transfer market to find a capable replacement for Wilson, who has been a strong asset at St James’ Park.
Following the former Bournemouth man’s departure, Newcastle are well placed to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who left Everton as a free agent after scoring three goals in 26 Premier League appearances last season.
Calvert-Lewin will be able to serve as a strong deputy for Isak, similarly to the role played by Wilson, if Newcastle can keep the Sweden international this summer.
If the ex-Everton forward can keep himself injury-free, his aerial ability and experience would benefit the Magpies next season.