Newcastle United officials might be given a decision to make regarding Callum Wilson in January.
The 32-year-old is still at St James’ Park, having remained on Tyneside during the summer transfer window despite being heavily linked with a move away.
Callum Wilson is still a Newcastle United player, but is yet to appear this season. He is still out of action, having sustained a hamstring problem during his recovery from a back injury.
It has been a frustrating start to the season, and it has been reported that Wilson could return against Brighton on October 19th. That would mean he misses three more games, taking his tally to nine for the campaign.
Callum Wilson linked with January exit
But while Eddie Howe awaits Wilson’s return to fitness, the Toon number nine has been linked with a move away.
It has been reported that Wilson is a January target for Fulham and Brentford, with two Premier League clubs eyeing the England international.
It is also claimed that Wilson is open to a move away, with the striker in the final year of his Newcastle United contract.
Newcastle United’s Callum Wilson stance
That contract situation complicates matters, but Newcastle have a pretty clear stance on Wilson’s immediate future when it comes to leaving the club at the start of 2025.
Geordie Boot Boys have been told by HITC Football insider Graeme Bailey that the Magpies will only let Wilson go on one condition.
“I’m told that Callum Wilson will not be allowed to leave in January unless they are able to sign a replacement,” he said.
“They are not just going to let him go.”
Newcastle in a difficult position regarding Wilson
It would be foolish of Newcastle to let Wilson go without having a replacement. Of course, they signed Will Osula in the summer, but it is far too early for him to become Newcastle’s second choice striker. Right now he is firmly number three behind Wilson and Alexander Isak.
But there is also Wilson’s contract situation to consider. Selling him in January would at least allow them to recoup some money on a player who cost £20million back in 2020.
If Newcastle do not sell him, they open themselves up to the possibility of losing Wilson on a free transfer at the end of the 2024/25 season.
Three Newcastle players set to be offered new contracts
Newcastle could look to extend Wilson’s contract, but it is unclear if that is something that Eddie Howe and Paul Mitchell are considering.
However, it is something they are considering with regards to Sean Longstaff, Fabian Schar and Dan Burn. Their deals also expire in 2025, and Bailey has told Geordie Boot Boys that the trio are going to be offered contract extensions.
“They are three that I was told about, and it’s not really a surprise,” he said.
“You can’t just let everyone go, you need a squad.”
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