By NATHAN JOHNS and CRAIG HOPE
Published: 07:59 EDT, 7 July 2025 | Updated: 07:59 EDT, 7 July 2025
Callum Wilson will not return to Newcastle United next season, both player and club have confirmed.
After five seasons and 49 goals during his time at St James' Park, Wilson will depart now that his contract has expired.
A pay-as-you-play deal which would keep Wilson at the club was on the table but an agreement was not reached.
'It's time to say goodbye after an unbelievable few years in the Toon,' said Wilson via a social media statement.
'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.
Callum Wilson will leave Newcastle after his contract expired following five years at the club
Wilson scored 49 goals since arriving at St James' Park after leaving Bournemouth in 2020
Wilson (right) was part of the squad which won the Carabao Cup to end a long trophy drought
'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.'
In their own statement, Newcastle said: 'Callum Wilson has confirmed he will depart Newcastle United after five seasons at the club.
'From scoring on his debut against West Ham in 2020 to wearing the iconic number 9 shirt, Callum has played a huge part in our success in recent years and we thank him for all his contributions.
'Good luck for the future, CW9.'
Wilson has endured a difficult run of late, struggling to displace Swedish Alexander Isak in the starting XI.
Injuries have hampered his progress, hamstring and back issues limiting his playing time last season.
Wilson joined Newcastle from Bournemouth in 2020 in a move believed to be valued at £20 million.
Eddie Howe was believed to be keen on Wilson staying but no new deal could be agreed
Callum Wilson ended the 2022/23 Premier League campaign as Newcastle's top goal scorer
Willson, 33, is now a free agent and has been linked with newly promoted Leeds United
In the 2022/23 Premier League campaign, Wilson was Newcastle's top scorer.
He was a late substitute in this year's Carabao Cup final where Newcastle ended their 56-year wait for silverware.
Wilson, 33, is now a free agent and has recently been linked with Leeds following their promotion to the Premier League.
Newcastle legend Alan Shearer was among those to pay tribute to Wilson after his departure was confirmed.
'Well done Callum and good luck going forward,' Shearer said on X.