Callum Marshall will be biggest winner as new West Ham and Wilson update emerges
West Ham are reportedly lining up a move for former Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson.
The 33-year-old is available on a free transfer after his contract at St James’ Park expired at the end of the season.
Wilson made 18 appearances in the Premier League last season, missing much of the campaign through injury and forced to the bench when fit, with Alexander Isak starting as Eddie Howe’s first-choice.
But the striker looks to be set for an immediate return to action with West Ham, who are in need of a striker following the departure of Michail Antonio.
Wilson move is questionable
According to Sky Sports (23 July), West Ham are in talks with Wilson’s representatives over a deal to sign him.
On paper, at least, the decision to sign the striker looks to be a questionable one.
Wilson has faced several significant injury issues over the past few years, and at 33, is approaching the end of his career.
In the 22 appearances the Englishman did make last season, he managed just one goal – coming against, at the time, League One side Birmingham in the FA Cup.
But it would be wrong to dismiss Wilson’s quality completely. The forward made just 20 Premier League appearances in the 2023/24 season, yet managed to score nine goals in that time.
And the signing could see a huge benefit be passed down to another West Ham striker.
Marshall set to benefit
Callum Marshall could be set to finally have a chance to play up front for West Ham next season.
The striker joined the Hammers in 2022 and showed his potential instantly, scoring goals at a prolific rate for both the Under-18s and the Under-21s.
Sixteen goals in 12 games in Premier League 2 saw Marshall loaned out to West Brom for the second half of the 2023/24 season, but the striker struggled for minutes at The Hawthorns.
A season-long loan to Huddersfield last campaign worked out better for the forward, who scored nine goals and provided three assists in 43 League One matches.
| Callum Marshall | Premier League 2 (2022-24) |
| Appearances | 22 |
| Goals | 17 |
| Assists | 4 |
And since Marshall’s return, he has scored two goals in two games for Graham Potter’s team – first against Grasshoppers, before netting in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Ipswich.
Wilson’s potential arrival could be seen to be placing a block in front of the 20-year-old, but it could indirectly lead to an extended run of first-team action.
The 33-year-old’s injury record is not massively bettered by last summer’s arrival Niclas Fullkrug, who was sidelined for nearly five months collectively.
Both strikers’ injury issues likely require extensive rotation by Potter, and Marshall is best placed to benefit with a starting role at The London Stadium.
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