Graham Potter wants to add youth to his West Ham squad.placeholder image
Graham Potter wants to add youth to his West Ham squad. | Getty Images
Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson is not expected to extend his stay at St James’ Park.
West Ham manager Graham Potter has made it clear that he wants to add youth to his squad this summer but the club should park that transfer strategy to pursue one experienced Premier League talisman.
The Hammers lacked firepower last season with £27 million Niclas Fullkrug beleaguered by injury. Michail Antonio saw his campaign halted by the car crash and January loan signing Evan Ferguson never found the back of the net.
The London outfit must find a long term solution to their striking woes and that will come in a younger option, but they cannot rely on a teenager or rising star without Premier League experience.
Callum Wilson set to leave Newcastle United
After Fullkrug and Antonio’s fitness battles, recruiting another injury-prone striker will likely have Potter rolling his eyes. However, Newcastle United star Callum Wilson could be worth the punt.
The 33-year-old is out of contract on Tyneside and, despite rumours of an extension, is now to leave. Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano said: “Understand it’s over between Callum Wilson and Newcastle, decision made with formal confirmation to follow. Wilson will soon say goodbye to #NUFC staff, fans and teammates as he’s not staying at the club with contract now expired.”
Wilson missed much of the last campaign with an injury but, despite a lack of playing time, has been fit since mid February. He’s a striker who is fired up to be back among the goals too. Earlier this year, he told the High Performance Podcast: “I’m comfortable now. Financially, thankfully, I’m stable so that’s not an issue. I know I’m still able to provide for my family and put food on the table for them.
“I know my worth and I know my value and I’m still so hungry inside that even though I know Alex [Isak] is scoring goals, I’m still frustrated when the team sheet comes out and I’m not starting so I know I’m not ready to leave football yet.
Callum Wilson hungry for goals
“I’d love to leave football before football leaves me, I’d never let an injury stop me from playing - I think I’ve been fit now four-and-a-half months but I’ve probably only played 250 or 300 minutes and that side of things are frustrating because you don’t want to last few years on your career to fizzle away from you, especially when you’re worked so hard to get to that point. It’s all new for me at the moment but I’m just enjoying life, enjoying football and playing with a smile on my face. What’s meant to be will be.”
Wilson may be older, but that’s the sort of mentality that West Ham need. The striker has nothing to lose and wants to score. He has 88 goals in 239 Premier League appearances and knows how to find the back of the net.
In other news, West Ham and Leeds United £22m target banned from training as transfer race hots up.
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