Callum Wilson has officially announced his departure from Newcastle United after five seasons at the club. The striker has made an emotional statement following the news.
Many will argue that it is the end of an era on Tyneside. The striker gave fans a glimmer of hope upon signing in 2020 and helped Steve Bruce’s side stay in the Premier League for two seasons.
Things got even better for Wilson upon Eddie Howe’s arrival at Newcastle United. The striker was scoring goals for fun to pull the Magpies out of the relegation zone and into Champions League qualification just a year after the former Bournemouth boss was appointed.
There were reports that Wilson was still in talks with Newcastle, with Howe offering him a pay-as-you-play deal. However, the offer has been turned down, and Wilson will now explore free agency.
Wilson leaves Newcastle having scored 49 goals in five seasons, cementing himself as one of the best No.9s the club has ever had. Upon the announcement, Wilson sent an emotional message to the fans.
Eddie Howe embraces Callum Wilson after a Premier League game between Newcastle United and Everton.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Callum Wilson thanks Newcastle United fans after confirming his exit
Wilson’s best form undoubtedly came during the 2022/23 Premier League season. His 18 league goals helped the Magpies finish fourth in the table and qualify for Europe’s top competition.
He also played a big part in Newcastle’s cup runs that season, and was a starter in the 2023 Carabao Cup final loss to Manchester United.
There will not be a dry eye at the training ground as Wilson says his goodbyes to the players and staff before embarking on the next step of his career.
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Taking to social media, Wilson said: “To all you Magpies..
“It’s time to say goodbye after an unbelievable few years in the Toon.
“Thank you for everything. We stood strong together through the highs and some lows to help the club experience new heights.
“I am so proud to have worn the iconic number 9 shirt and to have added a little more history to it. Scoring at the Gallowgate end really is as special as they say.
“All good things come to an end but there’s no doubt Newcastle United will always have a place in mine and my family’s hearts.
“Thank you for the memories. CW9.”
Whether Callum Wilson has a new club lined up after Newcastle United exit
Wilson leaving Newcastle means that it is almost guaranteed that the Magpies will sign a new striker this summer. William Osula will currently be Newcastle’s second-choice striker, which Howe may not be best pleased with.
As it stands, Wilson has not come to an agreement with any other club after confirming his exit from Newcastle. However, the 33-year-old is not short of interest.
Reports have stated that Everton are interested in Wilson after it was confirmed Dominic Calvert-Lewin had left the club after nine years. Coincidentally, Newcastle are interested in Calvert-Lewin, so it would effectively be a straight swap between the two clubs.
Elsewhere, Burnley have registered an interest in Wilson, but there has been no confirmation of where he will end up next.
Newcastle lost a legend on Monday, but his contributions to the club will never be forgotten.