Newcastle United have announced their retained list for the players out of contract this summer, which includes one player Leeds United reportedly have their eye on.
The Whites are going to need an injection of experience in their squad over the summer months as they look to avoid the pitfalls that recent promoted clubs fell foul to.
Finding the right calibre of player while keeping within PSR restrictions is difficult, so the free agent market could be worth exploring.
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Leeds United ‘target’ Callum Wilson released from Newcastle United
One of those out of contract at the end of June that Leeds have been linked with a move to sign is Callum Wilson of Newcastle United – with claims of “genuine” interest from Elland Road.
(Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith)
The veteran striker has suffered from frustrating injury setbacks in the last two season while Alexander Isak continues to be one of the hottest properties in Europe right now, and it’s led to a decision made on the England international.
Newcastle’s retained list confirms the exit of Wilson on a free transfer, having scored 49 goals and registered 11 assists in 130 appearances for the Magpies.
Jeff Stelling and Ally McCoist tip Leeds United to make move for “proven” Callum Wilson despite fitness risk
Should Leeds make a move to add Wilson to their side without a transfer fee, they’ll have the blessing of talkSPORT breakfast duo Jeff Stelling and Ally McCoist.
Earlier this week, the duo tipped Leeds to make a move for Wilson and think it would be a good signing if the forward can keep himself fit:
“A newly promoted club, Coisty, what do they need? For me, they need goals, so they need proven strikers and they need goalkeepers,” Stelling said.
“So let’s start with goals, Callum Wilson will surely be leaving Newcastle, he’s a risk, he’s 33, scored once last season, 10 in 27 the season before, but in 22/23, he scored 19 and was in the England squad!
“Strikers are hard to find, there’s no question, he will leave with Newcastle’s blessing. He’s been linked with Everton, but you know what? I think Leeds United, they’re looking at experience for their return to the Premier League, and you take a punt on his fitness, of course you do, but a fit Callum Wilson will get you goals, and I can see him heading to Leeds.”
Which prompted this response from McCoist:
“I’ve written one thing down here when you mentioned the name, and all it is, is ‘fitness?’” McCoist stated.
“I keep going on about it, your ability to turn up for your work, I’m a massive fan of Callum Wilson, I really am, I think if you can keep him fit and get him on that pitch, I’m with you, I think he’ll get you goals.”
Leeds United will have no guarantees of Callum Wilson staying fit
Should Leeds actually wish to sign Wilson, they’re running a huge risk of committing serious wages to someone who may not be able to play more than 15 times this season.
If you could guarantee he’d play at least half of the season, you’d snap hands off to sign him on modest wages, but that isn’t possible to assure.
He’s still got the quality to add a lot to a bottom-half Premier League side, but who is going to take the gamble on his body holding out after two years of repeated setbacks?