A “hugely important” Newcastle United hero could now stay at the club beyond the summer transfer window, according to a new update on his future.
Newcastle stars who could leave this summer
The Magpies have an important summer ahead of them after a season that was so threatening at the start of the season but ultimately disappointing. The focus could be on signing Eddie Howe so the manager can take his team to the next level, but there are also key players who the club will need to do everything it can to retain.
Bruno Guimaraes is one of those figures who has been linked with a move away from Newcastle this summer, which would be a huge blow given his influence. The Brazilian is wanted by a number of top clubs, including Premier League champions Manchester City, and he could be currently weighing up his options.
Another key player whose departure is being discussed is Callum Wilson, as the Englishman’s contract expires in 2025, meaning this summer may be the last chance to get good money for his signing. Players such as Miguel Almiron and Jamaal Lascelles have also been linked with departures from St James’ Park, although the latter’s current knee injury could prevent that from happening.
“Hugely important” Newcastle star could stay
According to a new update from Football Insider, Wilson could now stay at Newcastle this summer rather than the Magpies bringing in an expensive replacement for the striker. This seems like a twist given the claims linking him with a summer exit.
The report states: “Howe and his coaching staff believe the England international is still one of the best strikers in the Premier League in his time,” adding: “Newcastle are weak at forward but they are hesitant to add to their attacking arsenal “in light of ongoing concerns about financial fair play.”
Keeping Wilson would certainly not be a bad thing for Newcastle, even if it would likely mean losing him on a free transfer next year. He will be 33 at this point and the Magpies are unlikely to give him an extension at this point in his career.
Compliance with Financial Fair Play (FFP) is so important to the Magpies to ensure they do not have points deducted for breaking the rules. So keeping Wilson around for another year clearly makes sense.
The £110,000-a-week attacker remains an excellent player – one who has scored seven goals in eight Premier League starts this season – and Howe has spoken of his admiration for him in the past, saying: “He is an extremely important part of our team, a central point. We rely not only on his goals, but also on his movement, his work pace. His demeanor in the team gave us self-confidence.”
Admittedly, selling Wilson this summer and replacing him with a younger model like Newcastle-linked star Serhou Guirassy might be something some fans want, but it might not be the most logical decision at the moment.