Leeds United have been linked with a summer swoop for Callum Wilson who is set to leave Newcastle United as a free agent this summer.
Striker Callum Wilson's time at Newcastle United could well be up in a few weeks, having failed to make enough appearances to trigger an automatic extension to his contract - and many Chronicle Live readers in our comments section say that it's time to look to the future.
Wilson arrived for £20 million in 2020, scoring a creditable 47 league goals in 110 appearances as the Magpies navigated their Saudi-led takeover and began an upwards ascent. An extension to his four-year contract last year allowed him to continue into 2025, but repeated injury issues and the rise of Alexander Isak have kept his impact to a minimum lately. Leeds United are thought to be interested if he leaves Newcastle.
Speaking on the High Performance Podcast about his future on Tyneside, Wilson said: “I know my worth and I know my value and I’m still so hungry inside that even though I know Alex 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.
“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 the last few years on your career to fizzle away from you, especially when you’ve 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.”
For many fans, it's time to let Wilson go and look to the summer transfer window to bring in fresh firepower for Eddie Howe. Reader Leazesend1984 says: "The reason he’s stayed fit for so long is because he hasn’t been playing. He has served us well but it’s time to let the young lads do their thing now. Best of luck to him, wherever he ends up."
Commenter Madie20 writes: "If we are to become a top club, then this sentimentality about what players have done in the past has to go, along with Wilson. He has been a decent signing but his time is up as he offers you nothing now and it is time for him to be replaced."
Markb45 agrees: "Thank you for your service, unfortunately you are no longer at the levels required for a top club. We need a younger, experienced striker."
Ajm1111111 says: "Earned your keep over the years. Not at the level now. Best of luck in the future."
Not everyone thinks Wilson should be off, with reader Motivation saying: "Been a great player for Newcastle. He could still do a job at St James' Park. He looked rusty v Arsenal, but would not write him off yet."
On our Facebook page, Neil Morrell writes: "Callum Wilson has been a great player in some very tough times for the Toon. So please don't let recent performances define his legacy. Yeah, he's past his best and not up to our increasingly high standards, but let's be grateful for his outstanding contribution over the years. In Eddie Howe we trust, so let's wait and see."
Steven Gemmell says: "He's been a loyal servant, who has undoubtedly saved us many many times. However, it looks like he wants to, and quite rightly so, start as many games as he can, and that won't be here while we have Isak etc. I could see him going to a newly promoted team, Leeds for example could be a good fit."
Ryan McCann agrees: "He can't possibly be kept, and if that's him fit, and that's what he's offering, then we're being short-changed. He was great for us in his first 2 seasons and that won't be forgotten, but it's definitely time to go in the summer."
Have your say! What's your favourite Callum Wilson moment over the years? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.