Callum Wilson first words as a Newcastle United player in 2020 after Eddie Howe makes contract decision
Callum Wilson is officially no longer a Newcastle United player after his contract expired with the Premier League side. His future remains unknown.
If this is the end for the 33-year-old, then he has certainly left his mark on Tyneside after five memorable years.
Callum Wilson joined Newcastle United from Bournemouth for around £20m in 2020, much to the delight of the fans who were desperate for a new striker. The England international joined the Magpies following Bournemouth’s relegation under Eddie Howe, but would link up with him again at Newcastle just over a year later.
Wilson made an instant impact at Newcastle, scoring on his debut against West Ham and scoring an impressive 12 Premier League goals to help the Magpies stay in the Premier League. However, Wilson found his best form under Howe at Newcastle. His sensational 2022/23 season saw him score 18 times to help the Magpies qualify for the Champions League.
Now in July, Wilson has officially left Newcastle upon the expiry of his contract, but there is no news on whether he will stay at the club for another year.
With Wilson’s Newcastle career likely over, we look back at what the striker said in his first interview with the club.
Callum Wilson never mentioned success in his first Newcastle United interview
As it stands, it is reported that Wilson is likely to leave Newcastle. However, the 33-year-old does have an offer on the table, with a more incentivised deal based on appearances being handed to him.
Wilson took the No.9 shirt from Joelinton at the beginning of the 2021/22 season, joining the likes of Alan Shearer to wear the iconic shirt number on Tyneside.
While Wilson has proven to be a success at Newcastle, the striker made no mention of that in his first interview with the club, suggesting how far the Magpies have come under Howe.
Speaking to Newcastle’s official website in 2020, Wilson said: “From the minute I knew that Newcastle were interested, it was definitely something that appealed to me.
“It’s a massive club with great history. Along the years, they’ve had great strikers so if I can emulate half of what they’ve done, I’d like to attempt that.
“I believe in my ability as a player. As a striker I think it’s important to set yourself goals long term and short term, and I’m hoping to achieve them.
“With the players around me, I believe we can get the goals we need as team and I want to help contribute to that.”
Callum Wilson’s statistics at Newcastle United after contract decision
While Wilson has officially left Newcastle, there has been no word from the club or the man himself about his future. In this case, silence may be telling that he is still in negotiations over a new deal.
That is the same case for goalkeeper John Ruddy, who is also out of contract. Despite that, Ruddy has attracted interest from Norwich City as the veteran shot-stopper hopes to finish his career as a first-team player.
Newcastle are looking to sign a striker this summer, so even if Wilson stays, it is likely that he will fall down the pecking order on Tyneside to make way for whoever comes in.
Additionally, William Osula impressed with Denmark Under-21s in the European Championships last month. His good form may see him given more opportunities to play next season, especially given the busy schedule that awaits Newcastle in the 2025/26 season.
Last season was far from Wilson’s best, so it may be the case that this is goodbye for the long-standing striker.
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