Newcastle must choose one of two options in Callum Wilson contract negotiations
Callum Wilson, Newcastle United's striker, is facing a challenging season as he has not scored in the Premier League this year, largely due to injuries that sidelined him for three months. Despite Newcastle's success in reaching Champions League contention and winning the Carabao Cup, Wilson's individual performance has suffered, leaving his future with the club uncertain. With his contract nearing its end, Newcastle is contemplating whether to offer him a short-term extension or move on without him. The decision is complicated by Wilson's determination to contribute in the season's final games, and his ability to prove his fitness may impact contract negotiations. Manager Eddie Howe acknowledges Wilson's importance to the team but remains cautious about his future role.
Context:
Callum Wilson, Newcastle United's striker, is facing a challenging season as he has not scored in the Premier League this year, largely due to injuries that sidelined him for three months. Despite Newcastle's success in reaching Champions League contention and winning the Carabao Cup, Wilson's individual performance has suffered, leaving his future with the club uncertain. With his contract nearing its end, Newcastle is contemplating whether to offer him a short-term extension or move on without him. The decision is complicated by Wilson's determination to contribute in the season's final games, and his ability to prove his fitness may impact contract negotiations. Manager Eddie Howe acknowledges Wilson's importance to the team but remains cautious about his future role.
Dive Deeper:
Callum Wilson has experienced an uncharacteristically poor season, failing to score in the Premier League due to persistent injury issues that kept him out for three months and further setbacks in December.
Despite Newcastle United's impressive season, which includes a Carabao Cup victory and potential Champions League qualification, Wilson's personal struggles have clouded his future at the club.
As Wilson's contract nears expiration, Newcastle faces the decision of either offering him a short-term extension with renegotiated terms or letting him leave, with his fitness playing a crucial role in this deliberation.
Wilson has expressed his belief in playing a significant role in the remaining games of the season, despite the lack of goals so far, showing his determination to prove his value to the team.
Newcastle's manager Eddie Howe has expressed that while Wilson remains in his plans, the final decision regarding his future at the club will depend on the outcomes of the remaining games and Wilson's continued fitness.
Callum Wilson has never gone an entire Premier League season without scoring. Until now.
Despite Newcastle United surging into Champions League contention and lifting the Carabao Cup to end a 70-year domestic trophy drought, their No. 9 has endured a campaign to forget.
The 33-year-old, hampered by a persistent back and hamstring issue, missed three months early in the season. A fresh setback in December added to his struggles.
Since returning in February, Wilson has featured in 16 league matches but started only once—a 2-0 loss to Liverpool. Across 274 league minutes, he’s recorded zero goals, zero assist, and a passing accuracy of 73.7%.
In his own words, “ For me, it’s been a mixed campaign. As a collective, it’s been one of the best campaigns and teams I’ve been a part of - yet individually, it’s been one of my worst seasons."
- Writing in the matchday programme before Sunday’s 2-0 win over Chelsea, Wilson added: “I haven’t scored in the Premier League this season, which for me is unheard of. But I know there’s a goal in there somewhere. You have to be ready to grasp your opportunity when it comes and I am certain that over the next three games I will have a big part to play.
Newcastle’s victory, combined with dropped points from Chelsea and Nottingham Forest, lifted them to third place.
They now sit just two points off Arsenal with two games left, eyeing a top-five finish that guarantees Champions League football.
Callum Wilson faces uncertain future
Amidst the odd campaign, Wilson faces uncertain future. The 33-year-old striker, who arrived from Bournemouth in 2020 for £20 million, now finds his future clouded by doubt.With just months left on his contract, Newcastle are reportedly weighing up whether to offload him or hand him a short-term extension.
“All options are still on the table,” reported Craig Hope of The Daily Mail. “If he continues to prove his fitness, don’t rule out a 12-month deal on re-negotiated terms. However... the likelihood is he moves on, and that could well be the player’s decision.”
Even Eddie Howe struck a cautious tone earlier:
“He’s very much in my plans going forward… but we have four games to go and he’s a huge part of that.”
- Newcastle United news and related links