Callum Wilson reveals his main ‘motivation’ to join West Ham after snubbing Saudi Arabia transfer
Callum Wilson opted against a huge payday by rejecting a transfer to Saudi Arabia, and has now explained why he moved to the London Stadium.
Wilson was captured by West Ham on a free transfer after leaving Newcastle United at the end of his contract, and since then, the 33-year-old has earned mixed reviews.
While the Englishman was excellent during West Ham’s 3-2 win over Burnley before the international break, he’s also performed like a striker who is approaching the twilight years of his career.
Incredibly, there was even a possibility that Wilson was handed a pay-as-you-play contract at the London Stadium, and that was seen as the reason why he didn’t start in any of the first eight Premier League matches.
However, after grabbing the number nine jersey during Niclas Fullkrug’s injury battle, he has now revealed why he was sold by a switch to the Hammers.
Callum Wilson wants to join the Premier League 100 club
Ahead of West Ham’s clash against Bournemouth this weekend, the veteran forward will visit the Vitality Stadium for the first time since leaving for Newcastle five years ago.
But if he had taken a different path, Wilson could have been earning mega money in Saudi Arabia, choosing against taking a late-career cash grab.
“I had a tricky few years with injuries and then Alexander Isak hit great form and I basically found myself playing second fiddle,” Wilson said in an interview with the Daily Mail.
“It wasn’t how I saw my last few years in the Premier League going. I’m a fighter. I didn’t want to just give up and say, OK, it’s easy for me to just go to a different country and collect a little bit of money.”
| Callum Wilson’s Premier League record |
| 247 appeareances |
| 90 goals |
| 25 assists |
Currently on 90 Premier League goals, Wilson’s ‘motivation’ is to join the divisions 100 club, and that is why he joined West Ham.
“That’s not my motivation. Motivation for me is getting into the 100 Club. That’s the elite players in the league,” he said. “There’s only 34 players to do it. That is why I wanted to stay in the Premier League. That’s why I’m here at West Ham.”
Another reason West Ham signed Wilson
Eyebrows were raised at West Ham’s lack of ambition in the transfer window after signing Wilson, with many wanting a younger forward to join.
But the Englishman has terrorised the Hammers throughout his career, and that is why perhaps why they wanted him on their side.
Callum Wilson’s record against clubs
- 16 goals vs West Ham
- 8 goals vs Everton
- 8 goals vs Burnley
- 7 goals vs Huddersfield
- 6 goals vs Brighton
Wilson’s 12 goals in 16 meetings with West Ham are the highest total he’s scored against any club, which is remarkable considering his battles with injury.
Meanwhile, on Saturday, the forward can move a step closer to joining the 100 club with a goal against Bournemouth.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest West Ham United news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account – @westhamzone247