A Reluctant Deal The New West Ham Regime May Have To Make

By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)

It would be ironic indeed if West Ham’s first official first-team signing of the summer were to be a Will Salthouse client.

But that is precisely what could be about to happen, with talks continuing between Callum Wilson’s agent and whoever it is doing the negotiating at West Ham these days.

It’s a fascinating dynamic which sees an agent who was reportedly a family friend of the Sullivans dealing with the new Hammers hierarchy.

But I guess, as far as agents are concerned, nothing creates pragmatism quite like the lure of money.

Wilson Has Earned A New Deal

Not that I believe any deal for Wilson will be easy to conclude.

Last season he was on a pay-as-you-play contract and, presumably, he’d want more than that to sign a new deal at West Ham.

To be fair to the former Newcastle United striker, though, he more than proved both his fitness and ability.

Concerns over his injury record never became anything more than concerns.

As far as I can recall, Wilson was fit and available throughout the entire campaign.

A Championship Asset

At this point, with little or no West Ham business being done, I do believe the opportunity to sign Wilson for a season in the Championship should be taken up if he is agreeable.

With a long fixture list and a lower standard of defender to play against, I would hope that opportunities and goals would present themselves.

West Ham are likely to face plenty of stubborn teams who will put men behind the ball and make life difficult.

Wilson’s movement, experience and finishing could prove invaluable in those circumstances.

The Salthouse Connection

Whether the new West Ham bosses can come to an agreement with the former chairman’s favourite agent remains to be seen.

That said, if West Ham do get their man, I very much doubt he’ll come cheap.