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Leeds United are leading the race to sign Newcastle striker Callum Wilson as they prepare for life back in the Premier League.
TalkSPORT reports that Daniel Farke’s newly-promoted side is eyeing the 33-year-old as a key addition to their frontline.
Wilson, whose contract at Newcastle expires this summer, has started just one Premier League match in the 2024–25 campaign and is unlikely to be offered a long-term extension.
Despite being a vital figure in Newcastle’s Champions League push two seasons ago — scoring 18 league goals in 31 appearances during 2022–23 — Wilson has since slipped behind Alexander Isak in the pecking order. Injuries have played a major part in his decline.
This season, Wilson has made only 20 appearances in all competitions, starting just two and scoring once, in the FA Cup.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe offered cautious backing when asked about Wilson’s future. “He’s very much in my plans going forward,” Howe told reporters last month. “Physically, I see the Callum Wilson of old… on his long-term future, let’s wait and see.”
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While Newcastle hold the option to extend his contract, they are unlikely to trigger it and may instead allow him to leave on a free if a first-team opportunity arises elsewhere.
Leeds, who won the Championship with 100 points, are keen to add Premier League experience to support top scorer Joel Piroe, who netted 19 times last season.
The club believes Wilson’s pedigree could help avoid a swift drop back to the second tier.
Callum Wilson is cognizant of his campaign
Callum Wilson isn’t overly impressed with his own form this season, describing it as one of the most difficult of his career.
Writing in his column ahead of Newcastle United’s 2-0 win over Chelsea on May 11, the striker gave a frank assessment of his campaign. “For me, it has been a mixed campaign,” Wilson wrote.
“As a collective, it's been one of the best campaigns and best teams I have been part of – yet individually, it's been one of my worst seasons.”
“I haven't scored in the Premier League this season which for me is unheard of,”
“But I know there's a goal in there somewhere. You have to be ready to grasp your opportunity when it comes and I am certain that... I will have a big part to play.
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