David Ornstein: West Ham land experienced striker on short-term deal | OneFootball

West Ham Seal Callum Wilson Deal After Newcastle Exit

Experienced Striker Joins on Incentive-Based Deal

West Ham United have confirmed the imminent signing of veteran striker Callum Wilson following his departure from Newcastle United. As reported by David Ornstein of The Athletic, Wilson has already completed a medical and will sign a one-year deal at the London Stadium. The contract is said to be “heavily incentive-based,” reflecting both his experience and recent injury record.

Wilson, now 33, leaves Newcastle having scored 49 goals in 130 appearances since arriving from Bournemouth in 2020. A proven goalscorer at Premier League level, Wilson also earned nine England caps, though his last few seasons on Tyneside were marred by fitness issues. “Wilson missed Newcastle’s first 15 matches of the season due to a back injury,” Ornstein noted, with a further hamstring injury ruling him out for an extended period. He ended the 2024-25 campaign with just one goal in 22 appearances, that solitary strike coming against Birmingham City in the FA Cup.

West Ham Fill Antonio Void with Proven Goal Threat

The move comes after Michail Antonio, West Ham’s all-time leading Premier League goalscorer, departed on a free transfer in June. With a vacancy at centre-forward under manager Graham Potter, Wilson offers a low-risk solution to bolster the attacking line.

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Importantly, West Ham’s structure of incentives reflects a shift in recruitment strategy – opting for short-term experience over big spending. Despite his injury concerns, Wilson brings valuable top-flight experience and a strong dressing room presence.

Graham Potter’s New Approach Taking Shape

The move for Wilson adds to a summer of change in East London, with Potter reshaping the squad. The one-year contract also allows flexibility for both parties – Wilson has a point to prove, while West Ham maintain future squad planning options.

Quoting Ornstein: “The parties held talks about a new contract that would have been slightly more incentive-based, but could not reach an agreement,” highlighting Newcastle’s decision to part ways and West Ham’s opportunism in snapping him up.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

West Ham fans will likely meet this signing with cautious optimism. On the one hand, Wilson’s pedigree is undeniable – his 18 Premier League goals in 2022-23 show what he can do when fully fit. However, that’s the rub: can he stay fit?

For many in Claret and Blue, the loss of Michail Antonio was inevitable, but some may question whether signing a 33-year-old with a chequered injury history is the right move. Still, the low-risk nature of the deal, with performance-related bonuses, suggests West Ham are hedging their bets.

There’s also an element of pragmatism here. With European competition off the table this season, Potter can afford to rotate and manage Wilson’s minutes carefully. Fans will hope he recaptures that poacher’s instinct, especially in tight games where experience and calm heads matter.

Ultimately, this feels like a smart, if unspectacular move. Wilson could be a stopgap solution, a steady hand while the club plans longer-term striker reinforcements. West Ham fans should expect flashes of quality but manage expectations about regular starts.