Newcastle need a striker. It’s hardly a secret.
They signed Joelinton last summer but it’s clear he’s more of a wide forward if anything. He was completely unsuited to leading the line.
That leaves Steve Bruce searching once again for firepower and the Guardian and Mail both report Newcastle’s interest in Callum Wilson.
Spotrac claim he’s earning £60,000 per week at Bournemouth, with the Guardian reporting a cash-plus-Matt Ritchie offer being made.
He won’t come cheap, despite last season’s relegation but we’ve picked three reasons why he’s worth the cash and gamble on his injury record for Bruce.
Proven Premier League performer
Wilson has 41 Premier League goals to his name from 126 appearances at Bournemouth (Transfermarkt).
A rate of one in every three games might not take the breath away but that would give Wilson around 12 to 13 goals next term if replicated.
Given Newcastle’s top scorer last season was Miguel Almiron, with eight across all competitions, it’s clear the improvement Wilson would bring.
Of course, given his lack of sell-on value and injury record, Mike Ashley may well see a potential deal differently.
He wants his England place back
This time last year, Wilson was established as England’s backup striker.
In the meantime, Tammy Abraham came of age, Danny Ings nearly won the Golden Boot and Mason Greenwood exploded.
Meanwhile, Bournemouth were relegated. That means Wilson has got a lot of work on to get back into Gareth Southgate’s plans.
He needs to be playing regular Premier League football in order to do that and if comes to Newcastle, the spectre of Euro 2021 on the horizon should give him some extra motivation.
Counter-attacking threat
Wilson’s searing pace makes him ideal for a counter-attacking approach.
Combined with Almiron, Allan Saint-Maximin and even Joelinton if used out wide, that gives Bruce a pacy front four.
There are still question marks over Bruce tactically, but he couldn’t complain about a lack of players who suit his gameplan with those attacking options.
Wilson would be a striking upgrade on Joelinton, who is also suited to what Bruce is trying to do; counter-punch and hit teams on the break.
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