‘Everton plot cut-price Callum Wilson deal as Beto to Leeds gathers pace’
Callum Wilson could provide Everton with the perfect solution to their striker depth issue this summer.
The Toffees recently splashed the cash to sign Thierno Barry from Villarreal, with the France youth international arriving after netting 11 goals in 35 La Liga appearances last season.
However, Barry’s arrival only comes following the departure of Dominic Calvert-Lewin at the end of his contract.
Additionally, Football Insider understands that Leeds United are planning a move for Beto, with Everton understood to be open to accepting a ‘big-money’ bid.
Despite starting just 15 matches, Beto netted eight Premier League goals last season and hit 10 overall — with eight of those strikes coming in the second half of the campaign following the return of David Moyes as manager.
Callum Wilson could offer Everton perfect striker depth solution
Should Beto leave, Everton could only call upon the highly inexperienced Youssef Chermiti to provide back-up to Barry.
The Toffees would likely have to dip back into the market to resolve that issue, but having already spent £27million on a striker this summer (BBC, 9 July), there won’t be much appetite to spend another fee.
This is where Wilson comes in.
The 33-year-old striker left Newcastle recently following the end of his contract and is now on the lookout for a new club.
| Premier League career stats | Callum Wilson |
| Appearances | 239 |
| Goals | 88 |
| Assists | 25 |
Football Insider understands a host of Premier League clubs are interested in signing the former England international, but Leeds have pulled out of that race as they push forward in their pursuit of Beto.
More attractive to Everton is Paul Robinson’s suggestion that the striker might have to accept a pay-as-you-play deal in order to stay in the English top-flight.
“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 told Football Insider.
“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.“
Callum Wilson not past it yet
Wilson endured a tough 2024/25 campaign, with injuries and the incredible form of Alexander Isak restricting him to just two Premier League starts and 18 appearances in the competition as a whole.
The former Bournemouth man failed to find the net in those outings, but did score a vital goal in Newcastle’s 3-2 win away at Birmingham City in the FA Cup fourth round.
What’s more, Wilson is a striker with 88 goals to his name in 239 career appearances in the Premier League, alongside two goals in nine England caps.
If his body is managed, there’s no doubt the experience and finishing he offers would bring great value to a club like Everton.