“If you lose a player, how can you replace him with the same quality with Financial Fair Play implications around the corner? There’s a lot to think about.”
Eddie Howe‘s cryptic response when asked about Callum Wilson’s future at Newcastle United will do little to quell speculation regarding a potential St James’ Park exit this summer. After almost departing Tyneside in January amid interest from European suitors, the 32-year-old will be the topic of plenty of transfer interest, and theories, this summer.
Howe is right. There is a lot to think about with this particular case. With potentially limited funds available to strengthen his current Newcastle crop in the summer, the Magpies boss will need to be selective with the positions in which he wishes to improve.
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There will undoubtedly be clamour for added reinforcements on the right of the attack, left-back and potentially between the sticks. Not to mention the fact Newcastle will categorically sign at least one new central defender before the start of next season.
Keeping Wilson at the club, assuming that is what the former Bournemouth attacker wants personally, may well suit both Howe and the hierarchy, and allow Newcastle to focus funds elsewhere. A proven finisher, experienced head and a dressing room leader, there will be plenty associated with Newcastle hoping Wilson stays beyond the summer.
However, there will also be desire, both internally and externally, for fresh blood for at the top end of the pitch. With Alexander Isak firing on all cylinders, Wilson is the man on the chopping block. Getting no younger and entering the final year of his Newcastle deal, is now the time to cash in?
Wilson won’t want reminding but his injury record adds weight to the argument for letting him depart for a new challenge. Plenty of Premier League, or European, sides would jump at the chance of purchasing the hitman to bolster their attacking arsenal, despite his unfortunate fitness record.
Wilson has not let the plethora of injuries hold him back in recent years. Multiple ACL blows failed to ruin his career at the highest level, while a handful of other muscle-related problems have only served as temporary setbacks.
However, this season alone Wilson has suffered separate hamstring, calf and chest injuries to leave him absent for the majority of the campaign.
There is indeed a lot to ponder when deciding whether Wilson’s time on Tyneside has come to an end but it would be a shame to see him depart with a proper send off should he seek pastures new.
“It’s undoubted how I feel about Callum,” said Howe on Tuesday. “How I feel about his qualities and what he can offer the team. If you lose a player of that quality, to then find a player of equal standard will cost the club a lot of money. That’s always the big talking point about any business we do in the summer.”
Wilson stayed put in January despite serious interest in his services. It will be one of the more intriguing sagas of the summer should similar interest emerge when this season comes to an end.
View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-uniteds-summer-transfer-plan-29047548
