Callum Wilson has confessed that he's found it challenging being a backup to Alexander Isak, as he contemplates a new contract offer from Newcastle United, amid interest from Leeds United.
Wilson will be a free agent this summer as his contract comes to an end. The forward made the move to Newcastle in 2019 from Bournemouth.
The 33 year old is the second highest Premier League scorer in Newcastle's history, with only Alan Shearer and Alexander Isak ahead of him with 47 goals. However, he hasn't found the back of the net in the top flight for over a year due to a series of injuries and Isak's impressive form, which has seen him fall down the pecking order at the club.
Wilson ended the season with just one goal - an FA Cup goal against Birmingham City - in 22 appearances, most of which were from the bench, including a second-half appearance against Everton on Sunday.
Following the match, he was given his own standing ovation and lap of honour, which seemed like a goodbye to the St James' Park supporters, reports [Chronicle Live](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/callum-wilson-opens-up-amid-31746242).
However, the club haven't dismissed the idea of retaining the experienced forward. Eddie Howe disclosed that 'we're going to sit down and talk with his representatives' and a performance-based deal has been discussed with Wilson's management.
This would mean the forward staying at the club on a lower wage and providing backup for Isak and a new striker who United plan to bring in this summer. They hope this will be Liam Delap after holding discussions with the £30m Ipswich Town star, although Chelsea seem to have taken the lead in the race for his signature.
In a heartfelt discussion on the High Performance Podcast, he revealed, "You go from being first choice striker to then being second choice striker,".
"Every game there is not even a contest on who starts at the moment, and rightly so. In my absence over the last 18 months, Alex has just gone to another level which is fantastic for the team. It's helped us improve so much.
"Then obviously my role changes and you have to put your pride and ego to the side, put the team first and know what the team needs in that moment. If I can't be a big part on the pitch, what can you do off it? How can you help other players? How can you still be you without acting and being disappointed?".
"It's difficult, but I think I'm getting the balance right. I've gone through dips and all sorts of emotions, especially being out of contract in the summer.
"There's a lot of emotions throughout this season that have been different challenges to face and new challenges that I've never faced before."
As his contract winds down, Wilson faces an uncertain future, with Leeds United, Wrexham, and Birmingham City reportedly interested in snapping up the forward as he contemplates his next move.