Leeds United are among the clubs monitoring Callum Wilson as he is offered new Newcastle United deal
Callum Wilson acknowledges the fans
Callum Wilson admits he has found it difficult playing second fiddle to Alexander Isak as he mulls over a new contract offer presented by Newcastle United.
Wilson is a free agent this summer after his contract expired. The striker joined Newcastle in 2019 from Bournemouth.
The 33-year-old is the second highest Premier League scorer in Newcastle’s history, behind Alan Shearer and Alexander Isak with 47 strikes. However, he hasn’t scored in the top flight in more than a year after a succession of injuries and Isak’s stunning form saw him slip down the pecking order at the club.
Wilson finished the season with just one goal – an FA Cup strike against Birmingham City – in 22 appearances, mainly from the bench including a second-half outing against Everton on Sunday.
Afterwards, he was given his own standing ovation and lap of honour in what appeared to be a farewell to the St James’ Park faithful.
However, the club have not ruled out keeping the veteran forward. Eddie Howe revealed that ‘we’re going to sit down and talk with his representatives’ and an incentivised deal has been discussed with Wilson’s management.
That would see the forward remain at the club on a reduced salary and provide cover for Isak and a new striker who United will bring in this summer. They hope that will be Liam Delap after holding talks with the £30m Ipswich Town star, though Chelsea appear to have moved ahead in the race for his signature.
Whether Wilson is keen to play second, or even third, fiddle is doubtful. He admitted that he has struggled to adapt at times to his changed role at Newcastle amid the form of Isak.
“You go from being first choice striker to then being second choice striker,” he told the High Performance Podcast in an emotional interview.
“Every game there is not even a contest on who starts at the moment, and rightly so. In my absence over the last 18 months, Alex has just gone to another level which is fantastic for the team. It’s helped us improve so much.
“Then obviously my role changes and you have to put your pride and ego to the side, put the team first and know what the team needs in that moment. If I can’t be a big part on the pitch, what can you do off it? How can you help other players? How can you still be you without acting and being disappointed?
“It’s difficult, but I think I’m getting the balance right. I’ve gone through dips and all sorts of emotions, especially being out of contract in the summer.
“There’s a lot of emotions throughout this season that have been different challenges to face and new challenges that I’ve never faced before.”
Wilson has been linked with a host of clubs. As a free agent, he remains an attractive proposition this summer and given his lack of gametime recently, may feel he wants to finish his career playing as much football as possible.
Leeds United and ambitious Wrexham and Birmingham City have been linked with a move for the striker.