West Ham sign former Newcastle striker Wilson

Callum Wilson Seals West Ham Move After Newcastle Exit

Callum Wilson has officially joined West Ham United on a one-year contract after completing a medical with the club on Saturday. The experienced striker became a free agent after leaving Newcastle United at the end of last season when contract renewal talks collapsed.

Limited game time at Newcastle
Last season, Wilson made only 18 Premier League appearances for the Magpies and struggled to break into the starting lineup due to the rise of Alexander Isak. Despite his limited role, Wilson remained a fan favorite, known for his sharp instincts in front of goal and tireless work ethic.

Excited to begin new chapter
Following his move, the 33-year-old expressed his excitement about joining the London club. “I’m excited to be joining a massive football club like West Ham,” he said. “It’s a team that shares my values — hard work, dedication, and the drive for success. There’s so much talent in this squad, and now with the gaffer [Graham Potter] in charge, everyone’s pulling in the same direction. The aim is to finish as high as possible in the league.”

Proven goal scorer in the Premier League
Wilson’s goal record stands among the league’s best. During his five-year spell at Newcastle, he scored 49 goals in 130 appearances after joining from Bournemouth in 2020 for £20 million. His Premier League strike rate was particularly impressive, with 47 goals in 113 matches — averaging a goal every 143 minutes. Only top-tier strikers like Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak, and Harry Kane surpassed that rate during the same period. His shot conversion rate of 23.7% matched that of Isak, highlighting his consistent finishing ability.

Injuries hampered his impact

Despite his sharp goal return, Wilson’s Newcastle career was plagued by recurring injuries. He missed significant portions of multiple seasons with calf, hamstring, and back issues. As a result, he started only 71 of 190 possible league matches for Newcastle, featuring in the matchday squad for just half of the Premier League fixtures over the past two seasons. These fitness issues, combined with strong competition from Isak, contributed to reduced playing time in recent campaigns.

Interest from other clubs before West Ham move
Wilson’s availability attracted attention from other Premier League sides and Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs in the United States. However, West Ham moved quickly to secure his services, convinced of the striker’s ability to provide depth, experience, and goals as they aim to improve on last season’s league performance.

West Ham’s busy summer window continues
Wilson becomes the latest addition to West Ham’s squad this transfer window. The club has already secured the signings of French defender Jean-Clair Todibo, Senegalese talent El Hadji Malick Diouf, right-back Kyle Walker-Peters, and young striker Daniel Cummings. West Ham have also shown interest in Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey as they look to strengthen their midfield options. Manager Graham Potter appears focused on building a competitive and united squad capable of climbing the league table in the coming season.

A low-risk, high-reward signing
While Wilson’s fitness history poses some concerns, his track record suggests that he could be a valuable asset for West Ham if managed properly. A one-year deal offers the club flexibility while giving Wilson a chance to prove he can still deliver at the top level. With the Hammers looking to add experience and cutting edge in front of goal, this signing could prove decisive in their push for a top-half finish.

About The Author

Ama Oprah

See author's posts