Newcastle United face double contract dilemma as Dan Burn equals teammate’s record
Newcastle United veterans Callum Wilson and Dan Burn have both entered the final year of their contracts
Despite joining 18 months later, Dan Burn has already equalled Callum Wilson’s appearances for Newcastle United. A random fact that became reality following the 2-1 comeback win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
While Burn marshalled the Toon backline in his usual no-nonsense style, heading away long balls and reassuring the defence, Wilson watched on injured, unable to help his team. What was once a trait Newcastle had to deal with given the overreliance on the No.9 is now a nuisance and detrimental to squad balance.
When Alexander Isak was taken off at half-time with a busted nose, Anthony Gordon had to lead the line. Wilson was nowhere to be seen after his return date from a back injury suffered a delay last week.
Burn and Wilson are now tied on 108 appearances for the Magpies, with the former almost certain to overtake his teammate this weekend. NewcastleWorld has profiled what the future lies for both stars, who are in the final years of their contract.
Callum Wilson
The fact Newcastle had an opening to sell Wilson for a reasonable fee must frustrate the Toon hierarchy. Atletico Madrid, Chelsea and Saudi Pro League clubs were reportedly linked with the England international.
Nobody doubts his quality. When fit, he is one of the most clinical strikers in the Premier League. But his perennial fitness struggles make Wilson a liability - as Newcastle have recently found out.
To put his woes into context, the 32-year-old has missed a staggering 39 per cent of Newcastle’s top-flight fixtures since he joined in 2020. With Isak also prone to setbacks, that simply is not good enough.
Eddie Howe has stressed how much it would cost to replace Wilson should he move on. But what is the alternative, have him spend most of his time on the treatment table? He faces a battle to stay beyond the current season.
Dan Burn
Initially viewed as a stop-gap signing, Burn was called the modern-day “Killer Kilcline” - a pragmatic player to get Newcastle up. Few expected the Blyth-born defender to make the 100 club, especially once Sven Botman arrived five months later to claim the left-sided centre-back spot.
But every time the 32-year-old has come under scrutiny, he has adapted. Burn switched to left-back and helped secure a Champions League finish, with Newcastle conceding the joint fewest goals that season.
Opposition managers soon targeted him for his lack of pace but Howe has now reverted Burn to a central defender. That has resulted in the Magpies looking more assured in defence, with Lewis Hall also starting to come good.
His next battle will be once Botman returns from an ACL injury. The Magpies were also in the market for a defender in the summer - placing Burn’s future further under threat.
Perhaps, as he approaches the twilight of his career, Burn will need to accept a lesser role. Newcastle cherish those who can come in and do a job - just look at Emil Krafth recently - and Howe clearly values his rapport in the dressing room.
Burn looks like a shoo-in to stay beyond the current season. The 6ft 7in Geordie must still pinch himself when he thinks back to the kid who got released all those years ago.