By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)
Obstacles still remain in West Ham’s attempts to persuade striker Callum Wilson to sign on for another season at the London Stadium.
The veteran striker has held talks with the club over recent weeks after his 12-month pay-as-you-play contract expired following West Ham’s relegation from the Premier League.
There was some encouragement when Wilson appeared to be retained on the Hammers’ official squad list, but when Claret & Hugh spoke with a regular transfer source, we were told not to read too much into that.
Wilson Yet To Be Convinced
“As of two days ago, there was no deal done. I’m not sure Wilson is convinced how much the manager [Nuno Espírito Santo] will play him.”
It’s a tricky situation and certainly one I can understand from both sides.
Game Time Appears To Be The Issue
I have little doubt that if he stayed fit, Wilson would be something of a goalscoring machine in the Championship.
Equally, it’s difficult for Nuno Espírito Santo to guarantee the striker regular game time.
From my own point of view, I would still see the former Newcastle United forward as something of a match-winner from the bench, but I can completely understand why that might not be an attractive proposition from Wilson’s perspective.
There is also the fact that Wilson, currently on 95 Premier League goals, is desperate to join the competition’s 100-goal club.
West Ham Still Waiting
It would appear this deal is still some way from being completed.
When we asked our source whether Wilson was likely to sign, the response was simple:
“Your guess is as good as mine.”
It certainly appears Wilson has not yet received the assurances he feels he needs, although one would imagine the financial package on offer is an improvement on the modest basic wage he accepted last season.
Striker Situation Remains Unclear
Either way, West Ham will need further reinforcements in attack before the new campaign begins.
The club remain hopeful that Taty Castellanos will stay in east London and lead the line in the push for promotion.
If we’re honest, though, there are still significant questions over whether January signing Pablo can consistently provide the goals required across a Championship season.
These days, Callum Wilson is just a tap-in merchant. I wish him well in getting those 5 Prem tap-ins for Brentford or one of the promoted clubs.
I didn’t want him to sign for us, now I don’t really want him to leave. That’s football for you
Thought he was on his way to Brentford?
West Ham will be in the opponents half alot more in the Championship if Taty stays there is no reason why him and Callum can’t both start
So this is only my opinion and nobody needs to agree . I think Tatty will also be a big hit in the championship I think we need to keep him . Wilson definitely from the bench but maybe Nuno can compromise any give him more minutes per game and a few more appearances. Pablo unsure but I know there are strikers out there that have done the business at this level . So sell Pablo and spend on a fit , quick youngish striker . We need to get recruitment spot on this year ! COYI ⚒
I hope stays, but not sure he will. As for Taty, clearly in puts a shift in each game, but he is not a proven or natural goalscorer which is what we need. I also think he needs to play in a front two rather than as a lone striker. Yes, Taty has scored the odd good goal for West Ham, but mostly lacks composure and snatches at chances – anyone remember John Jensen at the Euros and then what he was like at Arsenal (yes I know he wasn’t a striker)
Callum Wilson hasn’t got any pace and isn’t mobile – that alone surely means he doesn’t usually fit NES tactics. He’s hopeless playing one up front.
He’s a decent finisher if the ball drops to him in the box but we need to move on and build for the future surely.