Callum Wilson will reportedly leave Newcastle United when his contract expires at the end of this season. This decision comes after concerns about his injury history, which have made the club hesitant to offer him a new deal. Wilson, 32, has faced multiple injury setbacks since joining Newcastle in 2021, and his ongoing fitness issues have been a significant factor in the club’s decision. His contract is set to end in the summer of 2024, and despite interest from other clubs, it now seems unlikely that Newcastle will extend his stay.
Wilson’s time at Newcastle has been marred by frequent injuries. Since his arrival in 2021, he has missed 103 games due to various fitness problems, a figure that almost matches the number of games he has played for the club. This includes a recent hamstring injury that has sidelined him for up to two months, despite having only just made his season debut last month. The club’s decision not to offer him a new contract reflects their growing concerns about his ability to remain fit and contribute consistently on the pitch.
Newcastle’s manager, Eddie Howe, had initially wanted to retain Wilson during the summer, despite interest from other clubs. However, with his injury record continuing to affect his performance and availability, Newcastle now appears ready to part ways with the striker. This is further confirmed by Mick Brown, a former Manchester United and Blackburn scout, who has intimate knowledge of the situation. Brown explained that Newcastle has been evaluating Wilson’s injuries and the impact they’ve had on his performances, ultimately deciding that it is no longer financially viable to keep him on the books, given the substantial wages he commands.
Wilson has been a valuable figure in the Newcastle squad when fit, contributing to the team’s attacking play. His work ethic and positive attitude in the dressing room have earned him praise, but the ongoing injury issues have been difficult for the club to overlook. Newcastle has made it clear that they need to strengthen their striker options, and Wilson’s exit will likely push them to target a new forward in the upcoming transfer windows. The club has already made it a priority to sign a new striker to provide better depth and support for their attack. With only Alexander Isak available as a primary option up front, and Isak himself dealing with his own injury concerns, securing a reliable striker has become even more urgent.
In addition to his injury concerns, the financial implications of Wilson’s contract are also a factor. Newcastle is paying him a significant salary, but his inability to consistently stay fit has meant that they have not been getting enough value in return. Given the club’s ambitions to compete at a higher level, they need players who can contribute regularly, and Wilson’s frequent absences have made his continued presence in the squad less justifiable.
The decision to part ways with Wilson marks a turning point for the club as they look to reshape their squad. Newcastle’s injury troubles up front, especially in the absence of a fully fit Wilson, have highlighted the need for more attacking options. With the end of the season fast approaching, Newcastle’s focus will likely shift toward securing a new striker, ensuring that they are better equipped for the challenges ahead. The potential departure of Wilson could trigger a more aggressive pursuit of reinforcements, particularly as the club aims to build on their recent successes and further strengthen their squad for the future.
