Callum Wilson Daniel Farke Leeds United
(Credit: Imago/Getty Images
Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent
Sun 25 May 2025 12:05, UK
Leeds United are concerned with Callum Wilson’s age and fitness issues as they weigh up a move for the Newcastle striker, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed what sources have told him about Leeds’ interest in the 33-year-old England forward.
Daniel Farke will be on the hunt for a striker this summer after Paul Robinson told Football Insider that a number nine and goalkeeper are “priority positions” for Leeds in the transfer market, and Wilson is an option.
However, sources have told Football Insider that given Wilson has missed most of this season with back and hamstring problems, Leeds are hesitant to push through with an offer for the veteran frontman.
Leeds are under no illusions that they need to improve on Joel Piroe, Patrick Bamford and Mateo Joseph next season, but Football Insider sources have said Wilson’s lack of game-time is a red flag for Farke.
Joel Piroe Leeds United
Joel Piroe scored 19 goals in Leeds’ Championship-winning campaign (Credit: Imago)
Leeds ‘put off’ by Wilson setbacks as Newcastle exit looms
Former scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 19 May that Leeds had Wilson firmly in their sights with the striker set to leave Newcastle, but it remains to be seen if they’ll push to sign him straight away.
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Speaking on the new Inside Track, O’Rourke said Leeds have reservations over Wilson’s fitness and age as they weigh up a contract offer, but there is a clear need for attacking reinforcements at Elland Road.
“It’s definitely the calibre of striker they should be looking at”, he told Football Insider.
“The question mark or concern regarding Callum Wilson is his age, and his fitness issues over the last couple of seasons.
“He’s 33 now and has missed large chunks of this season with back and hamstring problems, and when he has been fit, he’s found Alexander Isak in his way in that Newcastle team – he’s not been able to break in.
“Wilson would be a good signing on a free transfer for a number of clubs.
“[Leeds] probably do need to add to their attacking options now they’re coming back up, because they didn’t really have a regular goal scorer when they were last in the Premier League and that played a huge part in their relegation.
“Wilson; good player, good pedigree, it’s just his age and his fitness issues would be the only thing that would maybe put Leeds off.”
Daniel Farke Leeds
Farke and Leeds United are on course for a significant summer of spending (Credit: Imago)
Wilson transfer won’t solve striker problem at Elland Road
Wilson’s record of 47 goals in 110 Premier League appearances for Newcastle speaks for itself, but his failure to find the net across 17 games this term suggests that Wilson’s powers are firmly on the decline.
Leeds already have an aging and injury-prone striker on their books in the form of Bamford, who is likely to depart Elland Road this summer but simply cannot be replaced by another like-for-like number nine.
Premier League experience is a must for Leeds’ transfer targets this summer, and although the likes of Jamie Vardy are linked with moves to Elland Road, United need more players on their way up the ladder rather than down it.
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