Football
Exclusive: Burnley Lead Race to Sign Callum Wilson After Newcastle Exit
Burnley is leading the race to sign former England and Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson on a free transfer, but faces competition from Fulham and West Ham. Wilson rejected a pay-as-you-deal from Newcastle to seek a new challenge after a distinguished Premier League career hampered by injuries.
Newcastle United FC v Everton FC - Premier League by Stu Forster | Getty Images
Burnley are leading the race to sign former England and Newcastle United hitman Callum Wilson, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.
But the Clarets face a real battle for Wilson’s signature, with Fulham and West Ham also understood to be keen on signing him on a free transfer ahead of the start of the new Premier League season next month.
Our sources have learnt the experienced striker was offered a pay-as-you-deal by the Magpies ahead of his current deal ending at the end of June.
But the 33-year-old rejected the deal, preferring a new challenge in the back end of a distinguished Premier League career.
Wilson netted 49 goals in 130 games for the Magpies having joined them for £20million in June 2020. He spent five seasons at St James’ Park, but his five-year stay on Tyneside was often hampered by frustrating injuries.
"I am so proud to have worn the iconic number 9 shirt and to have added a little more history to it," reflected Wilson, in a statement to confirm his departure.
"Scoring at the Gallowgate end really is as special as they say, but all good things come to an end."
“There's no doubt Newcastle United will always have a place in mine and my families hearts."
He added: "To all you Magpies, it's time to say goodbye after an unbelievable few years at the Toon."
"Thank you for everything. We stood strong together through the highs and some lows to help the club experience new heights."
INJURY PROBLEMS
Last season Wilson struggled with hamstring injuries, as well a back complaint, which limited him to just 18 Premier League apperances, the fewest of his career.
Wilson started his career with Coventry City before earning his big break with Bournemouth.
He joined the Cherries in a £3million deal in July 2014 and enjoyed six seasons with the south coast side, famously helping them win promotion to the Premier League in his first season.
Wilson scored 20 goals in 45 league games that campaign and finished with 67 goals from 187 appearances for the club.
His high-profile £20million move to Newcastle followed as well as nine caps for England between 2018-2023.
Neil has been a journalist for longer than he'd care to remember, having written for national newspapers and respected publications for over 25 years. For the last three years he has worked freelance for BBC Sport, working on the production desk as a sub-editor and also as a writer, covering a whole range of sports.