‘Callum Wilson to agree pay-as-you-play deal after Newcastle exit’
Callum Wilson could be forced to accept a “pay-as-you-play” offer to join his next club after leaving Newcastle United upon the expiry of his contract.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson explained that top clubs will not be willing to gamble on signing the 33-year-old as a result of his recent injury record.
This comes amid links with a move to Leeds United, who are among the clubs believed to have been put off by his injury history and wage demands.
Wilson missed 29 games through separate back and hamstring injuries last season, having missed 28 during the 2023-24 season due to various issues.
Despite those concerns, Football Insider revealed on 8 July that a number of Premier League clubs are interested in signing Wilson and have been put on alert by his availability.
Callum Wilson eyes free transfer after Newcastle exit
Among those clubs are Leeds, as former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 19 May that Leeds are considering signing Wilson on a free transfer.
However, Robinson, who remains well-connected at Elland Road, explained that the deal will be “difficult” to agree and would only be doable on a pay-as-you-play deal, with the forward more likely to get better offers elsewhere.
“I think it’s a difficult one,” he told Football Insider.
“I think he’s a great lad and a great player when he’s fit, but I can’t see it being done at Leeds.
“The numbers he’s been posting, I can’t see Leeds taking a chance because he’s demanding big wages.
“There’s been talk of him going somewhere on a pay-as-you-play deal, because he’s not going to get the wages he was getting at Newcastle.
“He’s got to go somewhere, prove his fitness, and prove he can hit his top levels again.
“With all the stats and his injury record, the only way it would be doable is on a pay-as-you-play deal.
“I think he’ll get better offers elsewhere.”
Eddie Howe plots move to sign ‘£50m’ Conor Gallagher
While talk continues surrounding Wilson’s future after leaving St James’ Park, Eddie Howe has set his sights on improving the squad at his disposal.
Football Insider revealed on 13 July that Newcastle want to sign Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid in a deal which is expected to cost them £50million.
Ateltico are not actively looking to sell the England midfielder and feel he still has a “huge” role to play in Diego Simeone’s side, but they would be prepared to sell for the right fee.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider that Newcastle have set their sights on signing Gallagher to bolster their midfield as Howe is a big fan of his.
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