Newcastle United have a big decision to make regarding Callum Wilson this summer.
The 32-year-old has an uncertain future at St James’ Park, with Callum Wilson one of the players who the club will be thinking about selling.
That is because of his age and his contract situation, with Wilson’s current deal due to expire in 2025. Therefore, Newcastle United either need to cash in this summer or give him a contract extension. If they go for the latter, they are likely passing up their last chance to get some decent money for him in the transfer market.
Eddie Howe wants Newcastle United to keep Callum Wilson
But it is not that straightforward, and Eddie Howe is very keen to keep Wilson at St James’ Park. He has been very vocal about his desire not to sell the forward, and has told the owners that it will cost a lot of money to replace him.
That is certainly the case, while it is not easy to tempt a striker to move clubs whilst knowing they will be backup to Alexander Isak.
Newcastle would need to spend a lot of money to get another reserve striker that is as good as Wilson, while there are also other areas of the squad that are in greater need of improvement.
But Wilson’s injury record is the big concern, and that was an issue once again on Saturday as he missed the 1-1 draw with Brighton And Hove Albion.
Chris Waugh delivers his verdict on Wilson’s Newcastle future
This latest injury absence casts more doubt over Wilson’s long-term future as a Newcastle United player, and now journalist Chris Waugh has given his honest verdict on what will happen to the Magpies’ number nine this summer.
As part of a Q&A for the Athletic, Waugh was asked if he thinks Newcastle will sell Wilson this summer.
“My gut instinct for the past few months has been that Callum Wilson may well leave this summer,” he wrote.
“It feels like a natural juncture for the two to part ways and it is the final opportunity for Newcastle to get a decent fee for a 32-year-old who has had repeated injury problems and is heading into the final year of his deal.
“My view did waver a couple of weeks ago, when Howe publicly stressed his desire to keep Wilson, and the head coach does present a strong footballing argument to retain the experienced Premier League forward. However, Wilson’s unavailability at the weekend once again underscored his durability issues, while Newcastle do need to raise funds from player sales, meaning Howe must lose someone he does not want to this summer, and others at the club have understandably pointed towards Wilson.
“Whether Wilson stays or goes, Newcastle are looking to sign a forward of some description. Whether that is an out-and-out striker, a versatile forward, or both, is unclear at this stage.”
It will depend on who Newcastle United can recruit
If Newcastle can guarantee that Wilson will be fit for every game next season then they should keep him. However, that is impossible.
As Waugh says, it feels like this summer is the right time to part ways with Wilson, and the same goes for Miguel Almiron. It makes sense from a business perspective, and is a decision that will help Newcastle in the long run.
But it might all depend on who Newcastle can bring in to replace Wilson. Getting another striker who can hit double figures will not be easy, while there might be a temptation to get another player similar to Anthony Gordon who can play on the wing as well as up front.
In terms of striker targets, not many stand out for Newcastle. Dominic Solanke is surely going to be too expensive, while it is unclear whether or not the Magpies will take up the option to buy Tammy Abraham, who is looking to return to the Premier League.
He could be a good option to replace Wilson, but it will likely all come down to finances.
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