Callum Wilson ‘problem’ already highlighted at West Ham after done deal

West Ham have a goalscoring problem that they have been trying to fix this summer.

The Hammers were the sixth-lowest scoring side in the Premier League last season, but they did suffer some misfortunes.

Michail Antonio was involved in a car crash, which halted his season, while Niclas Fullkrug endured two lengthy injury layoffs.

While West Ham have signed Callum Wilson, the East London club have been given a stark warning.

Niclas Fullkrug West Ham
Credit: Imago

West Ham have Wilson issue on their hands

Wilson may have mocked West Ham’s Europa Conference League triumph to Antonio, but now he has joined the London club.

The striker left Newcastle United after his contract expired and thus was able to seek a fresh challenge.

Part of the 33-year-old leaving St James’ Park was to play regular first-team football, which he has a greater chance of getting at the London Stadium.

Last season, much of the burden was placed on Jarrod Bowen, who excelled as always for the Irons.

While the signing of Wilson should ease the pressure on the Englishman, there are concerns hanging over him.

That is because Wilson has missed a substantial number of games through injury during his career.

Now, Tony Cascarino and Natalie Sawyer have discussed the forward’s well-publicised issues while speaking on talkSPORT (3 July, 8:11am).

Cascarino said: “I like him when he’s fit.”

Sawyer replied: “And that’s the problem, the fitness.”

Cascarino then added: “It has been a problem for him. He’s had too many niggles over the course of his career, and either way, he’s had two really bad injuries.

“He’s had a cruciate twice, ACL, he’s done them. He’s recovered from them, but his main problem in recent years has been his little niggles.

“I really like Callum Wilson, he’s powerful, leads the line really well, has an eye for a goal, he’s a good finisher, always does the good things in football, you just need to get him on the pitch as much as they can.”

Graham Potter cannot rely on Wilson for goals

While Wilson has demonstrated his goal threat over the years, the Hammers cannot rely on him.

Last season, the former Newcastle man failed to score a single league goal, although injuries and Alexander Isak were responsible for that.

CompetitionAppearancesGoals
Premier League180
FA Cup21
EFL Cup20
Wilson netted just one goal in all competitions

Of course, it must be noted that West Ham have struck a savvy one-year deal, which includes performance-based incentives.

However, Potter will need Fullkrug fit and Bowen to replicate his form to feel at ease with his options.

Given Wilson’s injury record, the Hammers could yet do more business up top.

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