West Ham’s board have responded after a seriously strange twist over the future of fan favourite striker Callum Wilson.
Footballers usually go from hero to villain at a club – but with Callum Wilson and West Ham, the opposite is true.
The veteran striker had been West Ham’s bogeyman, scoring more goals against them than any other club and making sure he enjoyed goading the fans about it too.
That is why it was so controversial when the Hammers signed Wilson on a free transfer in the summer.
West Ham respond over Wilson contract claim
But Wilson has gone from villain to hero with some hugely important goals and impressive performances in West Ham’s bid for Premier League survival – not least his last gasp winner at bitter rivals Spurs which sparked the team’s revival.
However, West Ham are staying tight-lipped as a seriously strange Wilson twist emerges.
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There was intense speculation that Wilson would leave the Hammers in the January window.
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Especially after Nuno made it clear he had told Wilson he would not be his starting striker after the signings of Pablo and Taty Castellanos.
Premier League, Championship and Saudi clubs were all reportedly in for the veteran forward.
Callum Wilson during Fulham v West Ham United - Premier League
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Fans were dead against the idea of the club allowing Wilson to leave in the middle of a relegation battle.
And majority owner David Sullivan stepped in to stop Wilson’s West Ham departure.
Just weeks after the window closed, The Telegraph exclusively reported that Wilson had agreed a new one-year contract extension with the Hammers.
Journalist Mike McGrath stated the deal was agreed in principle, meaning Wilson would be around to add to his tally for the Hammers next term.
Journalist says no deal for Wilson but Hammers board coy
The 34-year-old striker has become something of a fan favourite, with many supporters feeling the team looks more dangerous with him leading the line over the goal-shy Taty Castellanos and Pablo.
But it seems the claims that Wilson has signed a new one-year deal behind the scenes were jumping the gun.
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Jarrod Bowen of West Ham United celebrates after scoring the opening goal of the match during the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between West Ham United and Brentford on March 9, 2026 in London, England.
Athletic reporter Roshane Thomas has reported that club sources – speaking to him on condition of anonymity to protect relationships – have said Wilson is unlikely to remain next season.
Word from other club sources to Hammers News is that a move to the Middle East could be on the cards, as looked set to be the case in January.
In search of some clarity, Hammers News reached out to the top spokesman for West Ham’s board over Wilson’s future.
Callum Wilson reacts during West Ham's FA Cup game against Burton.
Photo by Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
But the Hammers hierarchy are being coy on the matter in response.
“The player’s (Wilson) and all players’ contract details are confidential sorry,” the senior spokesman for West Ham’s board exclusively told Hammers News.
This is a rather unusual situation given how certain The Telegraph were that Wilson had extended his Hammers contract.
The former England forward was genuinely close to leaving in the winter window, as Nuno confirmed as much himself, saying at the time: “We were honest with each other. Yes, your position has changed, but you are still a player for the club and we still maybe need him and he should help us because he joined us.”
Wilson has five goals for West Ham this season but his game time has been limited due to the arrivals of Taty and Pablo.
Nuno is in a difficult position because Wilson will often perform well as a second half substitute and earn a starting spot only to then disappoint on occasion.
There is no doubt, if he can keep himself fit, Wilson would be a huge player for West Ham if they dropped down to the Championship.
He would almost guarantee 20 goals in that division, even with his advancing years.
If West Ham stay in the Premier League then he would provide decent back-up again.
Keeping him would be relatively cost effective while losing Wilson next season could prove costly.
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