Callum Wilson has left Newcastle United.placeholder image
Callum Wilson has left Newcastle United. | AFP via Getty Images
Arsenal and Chelsea had been credited with interest in the striker in January.
Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson has confirmed his decision to leave the Premier League club today after five years with the club.
The 33-year-old scored 49 goals in 130 appearances for the Magpies and has been a key figure in the club’s transitional years of late from Saudi takeover to arrival of Eddie Howe. Newcastle United had been keen to extend Wilson’s stay but, after a lack of minutes last season, the player has left as a free agent.
Wilson missed the majority of the first half of the season with a back injury and then a hamstring injury, but has been fit since February. He was afforded just two Premier League starts in that time and went without a league goal for the 2024/25 season.
Callum Wilson confirms Newcastle United exit
The striker had shared his frustration with a lack of opportunities and rejected an extension in favour of seeking a new challenge. In a statement shared on social media on Monday, Wilson said: "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 nine 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. Thanks for the memories."
Newcastle said in a statement: "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!"
Chelsea and Arsenal linked with January swoop for £18m Wilson
Wilson had been linked with an exit from the club in January, when Newcastle United could have demanded a fee. At the time, The Standard claimed that Chelsea and Arsenal were on alert to his availability, as well as Premier League rivals Manchester United.
An £18 million fee was touted at the time but the striker can now join a club for free. The Gunners and the Blues have been actively looking for attacking reinforcements this summer but appear to now have their targets set elsewhere.
Chelsea have signed Joao Pedro from Brighton, as well as Liam Delap from Ipswich Town, and now look to turn attention to the wider positions. At Arsenal, Viktor Gyokeres’ arrival seems imminent after weeks of transfer talk surrounding the Sporting CP bagsman.
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