‘Callum Wilson accepts special West Ham deal, rejected similar Newcastle offer’
Callum Wilson has accepted West Ham’s conditions to join despite Newcastle proposing a similar deal at the end of his contract.
The 2024-25 campaign was a hard watch from the sidelines for the 33-year-old, starting just two matches in the league.
Former Bournemouth player Wilson endured a torrid season, suffering with injury for the first half before playing second fiddle to Alexander Isak.
The Englishman joined Newcastle back in the 2020-21 season, after flourishing under Eddie Howe on the south coast.
Yet, when the two reunited at St James’ Park in November 2021, the forward continued his inconsistent form.
The signing of Liverpool-target Isak initially pushed the 33-year-old to reach new goal-scoring heights as the pair vied for the striker role.
In the 2022-23 campaign, the Toon were blessed by Wilson’s 18 goals in 31 appearances in the league.
This was to be short-lived as come the 2024-25 season the number 13 lost his starting spot to the number 14, who excelled in his absence.
West Ham offer salvation
According to talkSPORT (25 July), the Hammers have given an offer to the striker after Wilson’s agent Will Salthouse approached West Ham owner David Sullivan over a move.
It is understood that the east London club replied with a proposal of “a minimal salary with bonuses for goals and appearances.”
This is similar to Newcastle’s “pay-as-you-play” contract that the Englishman ultimately rejected in favour of being a free agent.
Wilson to thrive with under Graham Potter
Football Insider verdict
A switch from Tyneside to east London may suit the forward as he looks to revive his career.
Being pushed to the side by the stellar striking ability of 25-year-old Isak would have been a bitter blow, despite his team winning the League Cup.
Under Graham Potter, the England international could rediscover his form with the London Stadium lacking strikers.
Both Danny Ings and Michail Antonio are now free agents, with the latter continuing his recovery at West Ham, reducing the competition.
Mohammed Kudus left for Tottenham, leaving the sole competition of Jarrod Bowen and Niclas Fullkrug for the two spots up top.
Similar to Wilson, the German forward struggled with injury, only scoring three times in his debut season.
Bowen will certainly not lose his starting berth, leaving the ex-Cherries attacker to contend with Fullkrug to support the Englishman.
Given the Irons have been slow in the transfer market, snapping up the 33-year-old could be a sensible acquisition.