West Ham United are set to sign Callum Wilson on a free transfer after his contract expired at Newcastle. The 33-year-old English striker joins the Hammers as they seek to bolster their attacking options, following a season where several high-profile forwards failed to make an impact.
West Ham to Complete Free Transfer of Callum Wilson:
West Ham United are on the verge of signing former Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson on a free transfer. The 33-year-old, who spent several seasons at St. James’ Park, became a free agent after his contract expired in June. Now, after agreeing terms with the Hammers, Wilson will look to revive his career in East London.
Wilson’s Struggles at Newcastle:
While Wilson was once a key figure at Newcastle, injuries and a decline in form led to reduced game time during his final season. Despite his pedigree as a Premier League striker, Wilson struggled for consistency, which contributed to Newcastle’s decision not to renew his contract. Last season, he failed to score a single goal in the league, which raises questions about his ability to make an immediate impact at West Ham.
What This Means for West Ham:
West Ham, who have long struggled to find a consistent goalscorer, are hoping that Wilson can provide more than the string of misfires they’ve had in recent seasons. With the likes of Evan Ferguson, Danny Ings, and Niclas Fullkrug failing to meet expectations, Wilson has a clear opportunity to prove himself. His contract with West Ham is expected to be heavily incentivized, likely based on his game-time and performance, reflecting the club’s cautious approach given his recent struggles.
A Chance to Overcome the Hammers’ Striker Curse:
Wilson’s arrival at West Ham comes with high expectations, but also the weight of the club’s notorious striker curse. The London club has struggled to find reliable No.9s in recent years, with several acquisitions failing to make a significant impact. Wilson, however, has the pedigree and experience to change that narrative—if he can stay fit and rediscover his form.
What’s Next for Newcastle and West Ham:
Newcastle are also in the midst of a busy summer, with the potential departure of Alexander Isak still on the cards. The Magpies have already made an opening bid of £70 million for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, with hopes of strengthening their attacking options in the event of Isak’s departure. West Ham, on the other hand, have two pre-season games remaining before their Premier League opener against Sunderland on August 16. The Hammers are likely to push for more signings, with players like Jacob Ramsey and Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen being linked with the club.
As both clubs gear up for the new season, all eyes will be on how Wilson adapts to life at the London Stadium and whether he can break the Hammers’ striker curse.
