West Ham can beat Leeds United & Burnley to player who has just rejected Newcastle United offer
Callum Wilson is searching for a new club following his release from Newcastle United.
Callum Wilson is set to be offered the chance to stay in the Premier League following his release from Newcastle United.
The 33-year-old is a free agent after turning down what was essentially a pay-as-you-play deal at Newcastle.
Wilson joined the Magpies in 2020 from AFC Bournemouth for £20million, scoring 49 goals in 130 appearances as the club went from battling relegation to qualifying for the Champions League and in March ending its 55-year trophy drought by winning the Carabao Cup.
But the form of Alexander Isak and various injury problems had seen Wilson’s role diminish in recent seasons. Last campaign, Wilson started just three times, while his last Premier League goal came in May 2024.
Callum Wilson an ‘active target’ for Burnley
That strike was against Burnley, who coincidentally could be Wilson’s next club. As per The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath, the nine-time England international is an “active target” for the Clarets with his potential arrival supported within the squad and staff, including manager Scott Parker.
McGrath wrote on X: “Callum Wilson an active target for Burnley as free agent. Support within squad + staff to land 33yo with proven goal record who went to last World Cup Willing to offer Premier League stay but also options abroad.”
But Parker’s side could face competition from West Ham United, if Wilson decides to remain in England. TalkSPORT claims the Hammers have been offered the chance to sign the striker, whose agent Will Salthouse has a close relationship with owner David Sullivan.
Leeds United have and continue to be linked with Wilson after signing his former Newcastle teammate Sean Longstaff for £15million last week.
Callum Wilson has been asked about Burnley and Leeds United links
Speaking about his Newcastle exit to the i Paper earlier this month, Wilson was asked about the links to Burnley and Leeds, though he gave nothing away.
“I had an amazing five years at Newcastle but football moves on so quickly. I’m at a point in my career now where I’m 33, I still have so much to give, but I’ve not been able to show it.
“When you’re coming on for five, 10 minutes here and there within a game, everyone thinks that you can’t play longer than that. Everyone thinks ‘he’s losing a yard of pace’, all these other things, but obviously coming on as a substitute is completely different to starting a game.”
“I always had my thoughts in my head,” Wilson added. “Staying at Newcastle with the Champions League and off the back of winning a trophy, signing all these players, it all sounds great and looks great, but for me as a player, when you’re not being able to contribute like you feel you could contribute, it doesn’t feel the same.
“If I was at a point where I was content with what I’ve done in my career and want to see the last few years fizzle out, sitting around and helping younger players then not a problem. But I still feel I can do that as well as play on the pitch.
“For me, looking at the bigger picture, Alex [Isak] has done fantastic last season and the season before so it’s difficult to get minutes.
“It’s OK, it’s not a problem but sometimes he’s not even coming off. It was five minutes here and there and I want more for myself. That was basically my decision.”