‘West Ham tipped to take Callum Wilson gamble’ despite ‘weakness’ – Exclusive
West Ham could be set to take a risk on the signing of Callum Wilson.
The nine-cap England international is now available on a free transfer after departing Newcastle United at the end of his contract.
As it stands, the 32-year-old is yet to find a landing destination, leaving the door open for Graham Potter to potentially make a deal happen this summer.
This could see a London Stadium switch become possible in the coming weeks as the Irons prepare to take a potential gamble on the striker.
West Ham could land Wilson on a free transfer
There is no getting away from the fact that West Ham are in desperate need of a new forward option moving into next season.
Last time around, Jarrod Bowen was called upon too often to play as a number nine, despite thriving more regularly off the right.
This was the hand that Potter was dealt as Niclas Fullkrug failed to stay fit after his move from Borussia Dortmund 12 months ago. As a result, making a move for a new attacker makes perfect sense.
And ex-Brentford manager Martin Allen believes that Wilson would represent a risk worth taking.
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, Allen said: “I would definitely go and sign Wilson.
“He has a weakness in his hamstring. However, if it’s managed well with the medical staff, he would be a good player to lead the line. He would transform West Ham and give them pace, which is exactly what they need.
“Therefore, I would definitely take him on a free transfer without a shadow of a doubt. He did brilliantly at Newcastle. Obviously, they’ve got Alexander Isak now, who is top quality. Therefore, he’s found it difficult.
“However, on a free transfer, I’d be right in the market for him because he gets in behind centre-backs rather than playing in front of them like Fullkrug.
“I would certainly take the gamble on him. It is a gamble because of those fitness issues. However, I think he could score 15 to 18 goals for West Ham.”
Wilson could transform West Ham
Over the years, the Irons have signed several expensive strikers who have failed to live up to the hype in claret and blue.
Fullkrug is the most recent on the growing list after the likes of Gianluca Scamacca and Sebastien Haller also struggled in East London.
Therefore, signing Wilson could make sense, as he would come in on a free with little financial risk and take up the mantle without pressure to instantly succeed at the London Stadium.
| Stat | Callum Wilson |
| Appearances | 130 |
| Goals | 49 |
| Assists | 11 |
After a positive five-year spell at Newcastle United, it would be interesting to see how the Englishman could adapt if given the chance in E20.
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