Newcastle United will be coming up against a familiar face when they face West Ham United this weekend.
The Magpies are heading to the London Stadium to take on the Hammers, in what will be the first time that Callum Wilson has played against Newcastle United since his summer departure.
The 33-year-old is now a West Ham player, having joined them on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract at St James’ Park.
Callum Wilson, who cost Newcastle £20million in 2020, has scored one goal for his new club, and will be keen to add to that tally this weekend to prove a point to Eddie Howe.
Callum Wilson in action for West Ham against Leeds.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
The reason Callum Wilson left Newcastle United
Wilson had the chance to stay at Newcastle United. He was offered a pay-as-you-play deal, but ultimately decided to take his talents elsewhere despite being settled on Tyneside.
The fact Newcastle offered him the chance to stay despite his horrendous injury record spoke volumes about the striker situation at St James’ Park. However, it was not an offer that Wilson was prepared to accept.
He moved to West Ham instead, with Wilson backing himself to be a starter elsewhere rather than continue as Alexander Isak’s understudy.
Before signing for West Ham, the forward told the Independent: “I am 33. I have still got so much to give in the game. I feel mentally and physically still able to more than contribute in however many games in a season.”
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Wilson added: “Being the character I am, being as motivated as I am and ambitious in terms of trying to get into the hundred club and things like that, it was the right decision to leave Newcastle.”
Callum Wilson may suddenly regret Newcastle United departure
Wilson’s reasoning for not staying at Newcastle United was fair. At the time, it was almost impossible to see him ever starting ahead of Isak.
However, the situation now looks totally different a few months later.
Had Wilson accepted the Magpies’ offer, he would have ended up starting the season as their first choice striker. The Alexander Isak situation resulted in him downing tools, before eventually forcing through a move to Liverpool.
That coincided with Nick Woltemade joining Newcastle, who has been asked to play more than planned because of Yoane Wissa’s injury. Had Wilson stayed put, Eddie Howe could have eased Newcastle’s most expensive signing into the side.
But Wilson opted not to give Howe that opportunity, even if it is an opportunity that he will not have seen coming.
All the while, Wilson’s West Ham career has already hit problems. Nuno Espirito Santo opted not to play him in his first three games in charge, and it remains to be seen how involved he will be against Newcastle United on Sunday.
It is easy to say in hindsight, but there is every chance that Wilson now regrets his decision to leave St James’ Park. This weekend should be a chance for him to prove to Howe what he is still capable of, but that may not happen for reasons beyond his control.