Gabby Agbonlahor says Callum Wilson ‘won’t leave’ Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United for Manchester United after a possible transfer was suggested to boost Erik ten Hag’s forward line, on talkSPORT on Thursday morning (29/12/22).
The former Aston Villa striker was talking about Manchester United needing a striker during the January transfer window when Wilson’s name was mentioned, alongside high-flying Fulham star Aleksandar Mitrović and World Cup winner with Argentina in Lautaro Martinez.
Wilson is the leading man at St James’ Park and his six goals from 11 Premier League games this season earned him a call to England’s World Cup squad, where he had minimal involvement in Qatar.
The 30-year-old, who was signed by the Magpies in 2020 for £20 million (Sky Sports), has been a key figure for the club over the years and is playing a big part in them currently sitting in the Champions League places.
But despite those at St James’ Park battling Man United for Champions League football, when Wilson’s name was mentioned for a possible move, Agbonlahor delivered a pretty blunt response.
“I think it depends on who is out there,” said Agbonlahor. “In previous seasons, they got Ighalo and Cavani. Players that were past it. I don’t think Manchester United are going to do that anymore.
“They have to wait for the right player to come through. Look at Liverpool getting Gakpo, Manchester United would have been disappointed in losing out on him. I think Marcus Rashford can play there. Martial can play there. I think they are (good enough).
“Who is out there? Everyone needs this so-called striker – Callum Wilson won’t leave Newcastle (for Manchester United). Mitrovic, I am not sure. You look at Lautaro Martinez, I am not sure, either. He wasn’t great at the World Cup.”
NO REASON FOR WILSON TO LEAVE
At the rate Newcastle are going, not only are they looking at securing Champions League football, but for the first time in a long while, they might just finish above Manchester United.
They are six points ahead of those at Old Trafford, who are hovering outside of the top-four after returning from the World Cup break by beating Nottingham Forest.
What the two teams do in January could also determine how they fair for the rest of the season, with ten Hag needing more firepower and quality than Newcastle.
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