48-goal striker drops transfer hint after linking up with Newcastle United in Germany
Callum Wilson is preparing for his fifth season at Newcastle United as he looks to prove his doubters wrong.
The 32-year-old has netted 48 times in 108 appearances since arriving from AFC Bournemouth for £20million, a goal tally that puts him second in the Magpies’ all-time Premier League top goalscorer chart behind Alan Shearer.
However, it is Wilson’s injury record that continues to spark frustration, typified last campaign when he missed 25 games in total.
Considering his injury record, age - he turns 33 in February next year - and contractual status, which currently has 12 months left to run, an air of doubt has surrounded his future.
That said, there is now a growing feeling that the England striker will stay put this summer. The Magpies were under pressure to sell last month in order to comply with Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) and did so via the sales of Yankuba Minteh and Elliot Anderson for a combined £68million.
Wilson himself has posted on social media, saying it is “good to be back” with a fully charged battery and smile emoji. The player, like his teammates, is at Adidas' global headquarters in Herzogenaurach, Germany, as part of their pre-season programme.
While Newcastle are open to bolstering their attack this summer, keeping Wilson has always been Eddie Howe’s plans.
Speaking at the back end of last season, Howe said: “Of course, I want him at the club next season, I'll do everything I can to make that happen.
“Write him off at your peril for sure because he comes back time and time again. He's a very motivated player and wants to do his very best at every moment. I've managed him for a very long time now and mentality wise I wouldn't swap him. He's a monster, he's got a focus and when he's got a goal he'll go for it.”