Paul Merson fears what future Callum Wilson now has at Newcastle United, as the Magpies must sign a big-name striker as one of their first transfers following the Saudi-led takeover.
The Arsenal icon noted in his column for the Daily Star that the Toon have to improve their attacking output. Steve Bruce has relied heavily on the goals Wilson provides since the 29-year-old’s £20m move from Bournemouth last year.
Only Wilson scored double-figures across all competitions for Newcastle last season, with 12 goals in 30 appearances. The Englishman fired each of his strikes in the Premier League, with Joe Willock’s eight the second-most for the club.
Newcastle have struggled to score regularly this season, with Wilson also only playing three times due to a thigh injury. He will be available against Tottenham on Sunday, and hope to add to his two goals so far. A joint team-high with Allan Saint-Maximin after eight games.
But despite Bruce relying on Wilson, Merson wonders what his future at Newcastle will be once they start finalising transfers. The player-turned-pundit also wonders who the Toon can attract to help them avoid the relegation battle the Tyneside outfit are currently in.
“Who’s going to go there anyway? They need players for a relegation battle,” Merson stated. “You’ve got to buy a hero. The first thing you have to do is buy a big-name centre-forward.
“But that’s the end for someone like Callum Wilson then – and he’s one of the two best players at the club! They’re just not buying the big, big stars. Harry Kane’s not going to Newcastle. Surely. He’s 28. His career will be over before they win anything.”
Does Wilson have a future at Newcastle, despite Merson concerns?
Like Merson says, Wilson has been one of Newcastle’s best players since his transfer from Bournemouth last year. The four-cap England striker has been the Toon’s only regular goal threat over the last 13-months. He also connects their attack like no one else in the squad.
Joelinton has consistently failed to deliver as a centre-forward since his club-record £40m move from Hoffenheim in 2019. Bruce has also been reluctant to field Dwight Gayle, with the 31-year-old playing 20-minutes in the Premier League this season.
Gayle and Joelinton also failed to edge their way into the centre-forward role while Wilson was injured. Instead, Bruce backed Saint-Maximin to lead the line. So, Wilson should expect to have a future at Newcastle, despite Merson suggesting a transfer will mark his end.
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