Leeds United must start thinking about bringing in a new number nine to Elland Road.
Daniel Farke and the 49ers are fixing the overall structure of the squad, but the Whites are lacking a Premier League-proven goalscorer.
Of course, Joel Piroe had an excellent season in the Championship, but the jury is still out on the Dutchman as to whether he can replicate his fortunes in the top flight, but Leeds fans think Piroe will shine in the Premier League.
Despite the faith being kept in the 26-year-old, Leeds might turn to Callum Wilson, who is now a free agent after Wilson left Newcastle United.
His future is now firmly open, and with Leeds on the table, the 33-year-old has made something very clear in the public domain.
Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson before a Premier League game against Everton.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Callum Wilson responds when asked about Leeds United interest
The striker is obviously experienced, and his 88 Premier League goals exemplify what he could bring to Farke’s regime.
Lukas Nmecha is obviously an option in the frame as well, but Wilson provides something that none of the current options can, and that’s ultimately his pedigree in the top flight.
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Wilson has been tipped for West Ham, with Leeds likely to be in the same vicinity for signings as the Irons this summer, but the striker might be more tempted by the 49ers’ project.
Whether this is the case remains to be seen, but Wilson has finally spoken out on the interest received from Elland Road.
“When you’re coming on for five, 10 minutes here and there within a game, everyone thinks that you can’t play longer than that,” Wilson said to The i Paper.
“Everyone thinks ‘he’s losing a yard of pace’, all these other things, but obviously coming on as a substitute is completely different to starting a game.
“When you come on as a sub, it’s so hard to catch a second wind, and before you know it, the game is over. That was the only thing for me. I still feel I can offer so much.
“I had conversations with the manager [Eddie Howe] and we established that I’m not at a point mentally where I’m ready to sit on the bench and play No 2 for the whole season.
“I don’t mind yo-yoing here and there, but it’s got to be a fair fight.”
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Leeds might not take risk with Wilson as number one striker
There is no denying Wilson still has the desire to play in the Premier League next season.
This is obviously good for Leeds, who are showing a keen interest in the 33-year-old, but Wilson comes with worrying signs.
At Leeds, he would want the number one place due to the Whites only just being promoted, but going off Wilson’s injury record, it’s a hard ask for Farke to consider him as their main man up top next campaign.
Wilson’s five longest spells on the sidelines
Cruciate ligament tear – 261 days
Cruciate ligament tear – 190 days
Back injury – 130 days (24/25)
Calf injury – 126 days
Chest injury – 65 days
Gabby Agbonlahor sees Wilson signing for Leeds, but is he really going to be the striker Leeds rely upon, going off the above? Probably not.
It’s also been made clear that the 49ers won’t take high wages on, and going off Wilson’s £110k-per-week, this deal looks unlikely.