West Ham United have reportedly “considered” signing Callum Wilson from Newcastle United during the January transfer window, according to Ben Jacobs.
Speaking on the NUFC Matters podcast (10 December), the journalist revealed that both Leicester City and West Ham are assessing the possibility of a January move for Wilson, though West Ham’s level of interest remains uncertain.
The Hammers invested £27 million in Niclas Fullkrug from Borussia Dortmund over the summer, but with Julen Lopetegui facing continued scrutiny at the London Stadium, the club might explore alternative options.
Jacobs said: “I do know that West Ham and Leicester have discussed Callum Wilson.
“I think West Ham’s up in the air because of the future of Julen Lopetegui and they have already brought one slightly older striker in Niclas Fullkrug.”
Callum Wilson, a proven Premier League goalscorer with 88 goals across his time at Bournemouth and Newcastle, is now 32 years old.
Adding Wilson to West Ham’s squad would increase their tally of strikers over 30 to four, following the summer signing of 31-year-old Niclas Fullkrug for a significant fee, despite younger options being available.
The situation is further complicated by Michail Antonio’s car accident on 7 December, which is expected to sideline the Jamaican international for over a year.
Although Wilson and Antonio are close friends, signing Wilson as a replacement would be an ill-advised move.
Wilson’s injury-plagued 2023/24 season saw him make just 20 appearances, though he still managed nine goals. However, with only four appearances this season, it’s clear he is past his peak.
Whether or not Julen Lopetegui remains in charge following a crucial 2-1 win over Wolves, West Ham urgently needs a striker. However, relying on Wilson would do little to solve their offensive challenges.
