Expert suggests ‘brilliant’ new role for Callum Wilson after Newcastle United ‘agreement’
Noel Whelan has claimed Callum Wilson will have to be “managed” by Newcastle after signing a new two-year deal.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the 30-year-old could be benched periodically by Eddie Howe after the summer arrival of Alexander Isak.
According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein (3 October), Wilson has signed a contract that places him in line with Newcastle’s highest earners and will keep him at the club until June 2024.
The report claims the England international could also see his deal extended beyond that point if certain factors are met.
Wilson has already missed four Premier League games this term and has been ruled out a number of times through injury since joining Newcastle in 2020.
Despite his problems, the former Bournemouth man has been the top scorer in each of his two full seasons at St James’ Park.
Whelan insisted Newcastle are a “better and more potent side” with Wilson on the pitch.
He told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “There’s no doubt that he’s someone they’ll now have to manage.
“He’s had a catalogue of different injuries and niggles, and we’ve seen how weakened they can be without him.
“They’re a better and more potent side with him in it. His movement is fantastic, he’s got good pace.
“But with signing a two-year extension they’ll have to manage him that bit more. He’s been brilliant since coming to the club, but we need to see him on the field.
“Whether that’s starting him or coming off the bench sometimes, it doesn’t matter.
“The more players they bring into the football club, the more Eddie Howe will know he can manage him.”
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