Callum Wilson’s five-year stint at Newcastle United has had plenty of ups and downs, it’s fair to say.
He’s scored goals to keep us up, netted 18 two seasons ago to seal a top-four finish and appeared in the Champions League, but he’s battled many injuries and recently found starts – and goals – hard to come by as he enters the twilight years of his career.
It’s not yet clear if Sunday’s season finale at home to Everton will be his last appearance for the club, but the man himself has been discussing his situation on a recent podcast appearanc.
Callum Wilson insists he’s “still so hungry” to play at the top level and compete with Alexander Isak, but admits it’s been a “frustrating” few months for him at Newcastle as he approaches the final weeks of his current contract.
Speaking on the High Performance Podcast, the 33-year-old believes he is “not ready to leave football yet” and has more to give, but feels he hasn’t been able to show that with just over 300 minutes of Premier League football under his belt this season.
Discussing what’s next as he waits to hear if a new contract will be coming his way, Wilson said: “I’m comfortable now. Financially, thankfully, I’m stable so that’s not an issue. I know I’m still able to provide for my family and put food on the table for them.
“I know my worth and I know my value and I’m still so hungry inside that even though I know Alex is scoring goals, I’m still frustrated when the team sheet comes out and I’m not starting so I know I’m not ready to leave football yet.
“I’d love to leave football before football leaves me, I’d never let an injury stop me from playing – I think I’ve been fit now four-and-a-half months but I’ve probably only played 250 or 300 minutes.
“That side of things are frustrating because you don’t want those last few years on your career to fizzle away from you, especially when you’re worked so hard to get to that point.
“It’s all new for me at the moment but I’m just enjoying life, enjoying football and playing with a smile on my face. What’s meant to be will be.”
If fit, strong and firing, Wilson would be more than capable of competing with Isak next season ahead of our return to Europe.
However, despite his admirable self belief, it feels like Wilson’s best days are behind him. He doesn’t look the same physical beast, he’s not scored a league goal all season and he hasn’t looked much of a threat, not to mention the fact his injury record suggests he’s never far from a spell on the sidelines.
Unless he stays as a back-up option on lower wages, with Will Osula loaned out and a second-choice striker signed, it feels like the right time for Wilson to move on.
Leeds United have been linked and that may be a tempting route back to regular top flight minutes. We just hope he gets a goal and big send off this Sunday if it is to be his final outing in black and white.
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