EXCLUSIVE: Newcastle offered financial life-line by Saudi Pro League clubs for striker Wilson

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 24 Jun 2024 14:04 BST
• 3 min read

Exclusive

Multiple Saudi Arabian football clubs have expressed strong interest in Newcastle striker Callum Wilson who is also admired by West Ham, FootballTransfers can reveal.

The Magpies, who are owned by PIF, could see their financial troubles alleviated by the Pro League, whose clubs are keen on the former England international.

The sides are set to contend for the veteran’s signature in the summer transfer window. Wilson is coming up to the final year of his contract at St James’ Park and it’s deemed unlikely that he will sign fresh terms, even though the 32-year-old has been a pivotal figure for Newcastle since joining the club in 2020 from Bournemouth.

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Wilson netted 18 goals in the Premier League 2022/23 season as Newcastle gained a Champions League spot, but limited game-time owing to the rich form of Alexander Isak as well as injuries saw the forward score ten during the last season.

The Hammers see Wilson as a perfect fit for their squad, bringing Premier League experience and a proven track record, though there are concerns over his fitness.

We understand Newcastle will listen to offers for Wilson after his injury-ravaged campaign, while they are also looking to raise funds for the summer and to abide by Premier League 'Profit and Sustainability' (PSR) rules as they approach 30 June, the accounting deadline.

Eddie Howe on Callum Wilson

Wilson was linked with a January exit to Atletico Madrid but a deal broke down and he remained with Eddie Howe’s club.

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The head coach warned of the impact of selling him when quizzed on the matter in May. “All I’ll say on that, and I’ll urge the word “caution”, is that to sign strikers of the ability to score goals in the Premier League would cost you an awful lot of money,” said Howe.

“I have to get the balance right between doing that and exposing ourselves in other areas, where the money might need to go.

“Of course (availability) forms part of your planning, it would be foolish for me to say otherwise. Anthony Gordon can play as a striker, but you lose him from his winger position.

“We need a squad that can deal with all types of absentees and problems, which you’re going to get during a season. When either one of our two strikers has been missing it has impacted us. They are two high-level players.