West Bromwich Albion could turn their attention to an outgoing Newcastle United forward.
The Baggies stuttered to a disappointing end to the 2024/25 campaign, winning just five of their 17 Championship matches under Tony Mowbray and losing eight, drawing the other four. The final day victory over Luton Town, a 5-3 belter, was an anomaly as West Brom had scored just seven goals in the 10 matches previous.
A complete summer overhaul is required with improvements possible in most positions, but the attack is an area that really stands out. High earners Grady Diangana and John Swift are leaving the club in a boost to the wage budget and academy product Tom Fellows, worth in excess of £15 million, looks likely to depart to the Premier League with several clubs interested.
The new manager will have a decent budget to work with as a result of these moves and there are bound to be targets being drawn up by the club. West Brom are quite good at keeping their shortlists quiet, so there aren’t many individuals linked just yet. But, at the very minimum, those leaving will be replaced and it’s likely extra business on top of that will be done.
West Brom could target Newcastle star as headline signing
Who could the Baggies sign to reinforce their attacking output, then? Well, Tottenham Hotspur’s versatile midfielder Jamie Donley, who can play as a number 10, is understood to be of interest for a loan move but that still leaves the striker position up in the air. It doesn’t need to be for much longer, however, with one player a standout potential signing.
Although Albion will have money to splash out on a new centre-forward, they may not have to spend a penny as Callum Wilson, expected to leave Newcastle at the end of his contract on June 30, is available as a free agent.
Albeit no longer in his prime, Wilson remains a top striker. The 33-year-old has been plagued with injuries in the past 18 months and has therefore only played 357 minutes in the Premier League this season. Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has maintained his belief in Wilson, though, and has been very impressed by his professionalism throughout a difficult period.
Formerly of Coventry City and AFC Bournemouth before his move to St. James’ Park, Wilson has scored 141 goals and provided 48 assists in 392 career appearances to date. The striker is only just shy of the Premier League’s 100 club as he has netted 88 times in the English top tier. In the Championship, meanwhile, Wilson has scored 20 times in 46 matches.
Newcastle have decided against taking up their one-year extension option on Wilson’s current deal but are reportedly in talks over a performance-related contract. He could stay with the Toon as a result, but West Brom should at least try by presenting an offer for the striker, who has a current value of £9 million as per Transfermarkt.
Wilson may not fancy the drop down to the Championship but Albion could convince him otherwise, promising him guaranteed starts week in and week out. The project under a new head coach at The Hawthorns could prove to be alluring, too.
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