‘Leeds pull plug on Callum Wilson deal as new concerns emerge’
Leeds United are prepared to pull the plug on their interest in signing former Newcastle striker Callum Wilson despite his availability on a free transfer.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, former Leeds goalkeeper Paul Robinson explained that the club’s data-driven approach to transfers has made a deal for the 33-year-old unlikely this summer.
The striker has only started 11 Premier League games in the last two seasons, and found the net just once in all competitions last season, raising doubts about his future.
Desipte that, 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.
Leeds are unlikely to be among those sides as things stand, despite their ambitions of signing a new centre-forward ahead of their return to the top flight.
Football Insider revealed in April that Leeds are prioritising signing a striker as they do not believe Patrick Bamford and Joel Piroe are Premier League players.
Leeds make Callum Wilson decision after Newcastle exit
Robinson told Football Insider on 13 July that Wilson could agree a pay-as-you-play deal after leaving Newcastle as clubs may not be willing to gamble on his injury record.
Wilson missed 29 games through separate back and hamstring injuries last season, having missed 28 during the 2023-24 season due to various issues.
Now, Robinson has explained that Leeds are unlikely to pursue their interest in the striker as he would be a poor fit for their data-led approach to transfers.
“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.
“There’s a lot of signings being made there that are all data-driven, they’re one of the teams now who are heavily involved with data and stats.
“You look at Callum Wilson, he’s 33 now.
“In the 2023-24 season, he played 20 Premier League games, but only nine of those were starts, and he scored nine goals, granted, but only made nine starts.
“Last season, he played 18 Premier League games with two starts and 16 coming on as a sub with one goal in all competitions.
“So at that level, with the numbers he’s been posting in the last two years, I can’t see Leeds taking a chance on him because he’s going to demand big wages.
“He’s going to have to go somewhere, prove his fitness and prove he can hit his top level again.
“For Leeds, it’s a big risk with where they are, it’s too big a risk to take on a 33-year-old.”
Jack Harrison could make shock Everton return
While speculation continues surrounding the addition of new players at Elland Road this summer, they are also planning to part ways with some of their fringe players.
Robinson told Football Insider on 13 July that Leeds want £10million to sell Harrison, but could let him leave on loan again if they cannot find a permanent suitor.
Following that, Football Insider revealed that Everton could reignite their interest in Harrison if they fail in their pursuit of alternative targets this summer.
David Moyes is “desperate” to strengthen his team out wide this summer after losing both Harrison and Jesper Lindstrom when their loan deals expired.
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