Newcastle United have now been convinced by Callum Wilson’s late-season form to give the 30-year-old a bigger role in the 2022/23 campaign.
Transfer journalist Dean Jones has been speaking to This Is Futbol to discuss the plans of Tyneside ahead of the summer window and mentioned Wilson’s important end to the 2021/22 season.
The Toon are said to be closing in on the potential signing of the Stade Reims striker Hugo Ekitike with an agreement in place between the two clubs.
But Jones believes Wilson may have saved his spot in Eddie Howe’s side with his impressive return from injury to the side in the final games of the campaign.
It seems the striker was being forced out of the plans at St James’ Park ahead of the new campaign, but Jones now believes this may have changed.
He said: “Callum Wilson’s given them something to think about at the end of the season.
“A month or so ago, I was told that he’ll be nothing more than a fringe player next year.
“Maybe he’s giving them something to think about. Maybe in pre-season, he can have a good start.”
TIF Thoughts on Jones’ comments…
When fit, there is little doubting the quality Wilson is able to bring to Howe’s side having added two goals in the final game of the campaign after a lengthy period on the sidelines (via Transfermarkt).
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However, this is the issue. You simply cannot rely on Wilson to be fit given his career has been plagued by long-term injuries which have carried over into his time on Tyneside.
But perhaps the possible addition of Ekitike could go a long way in taking some pressure off Wilson needing to play a huge role up top under Howe.
And if Ekitike is able to hit the ground running – if he joins – then potentially this could make Wilson’s game time, and therefore injuries, much more manageable.