‘Alex has been…’ - Callum Wilson brutally honest on Newcastle United snub

Just one Premier League start in 2024-25 came in February’s 2-0 defeat to Liverpool. Another frustrating campaign hampered by injuries has resulted in Wilson - who still holds the No.9 shirt - becoming somewhat of a forgotten man at St James’ Park.

Now aged 33, questions have begun to emerge about the striker’s future amid reported Premier League interest. Leeds United are understood to be monitoring Wilson’s situation but any deal could hinge on their Championship promotion battle.

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As it stands, the England international is focused on contributing for the Magpies from now until the summer. Manchester United await later today and gives Wilson another chance to break his Premier League duck this season.

Speaking to the club website, the veteran honestly reflected on a frustrating campaign on Tyneside. Wilson acknowledged the form of Alexander Isak - now regarded among the world’s best strikers.

“I have no doubt for myself, when I play I can score goals,” he said. “It's just getting on the pitch. I’ve been fit now for three months. It’s just (that I’m having) limited game time. Alex (Isak) has been fantastic, so it's just hard to get back in the team and getting a good run. It's difficult but you've got to take what you can.

“(Having) 49 goals (for Newcastle) is fantastic but, when you’ve been stuck on it for 18 months, it’s a little bit frustrating. It is what it is, it’s football at the end of the day. I’ve been around the game long enough to know that you have so many ups and downs. You’re in the team, out the team.

“When people start comparing, it’s the thief of joy isn’t it? I guess we need to enjoy what’s here while it’s here. Over the last few weeks, I’ve got a little bit sharper and worked hard off the field. When you’re playing with players who have played with a different profile of striker, it’s about getting that connection back.”

‘Do not write Callum Wilson off’ - Eddie Howe

Wilson, having worked under him at Bournemouth and Newcastle, is one of Eddie Howe’s most trusted lieutenants. The Toon boss sent a warning to his critics when asked about Wilson’s future earlier this year.

"I can’t write the future,” Howe said. “I can’t predict what’s going to happen. I’d never write Callum Wilson off. He’s always had something on the horizon that he can target and us, in part, still being involved in the Carabao Cup latter stages was one of those targets for him and doing well in the league.

"He’s such a positive person and he’s seeing these games on the horizon and using that as a motivational tool in his recovery. I know he’s done that, used it and I just hope that it’s a positive outcome for him personally and he’s back on the pitch scoring goals."

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