One priority for new sporting director Adam Underwood at Leeds United this summer will be to sign a proven Premier League goal scorer – and Leeds have received a boost in pursuit of one option.
Underwood has been thrown in at the deep end. His first season as a sporting director coincides with the biggest transfer window in years for Leeds, as they look to bridge the widening Premier League gap.
The Whites’ transfer team have identified the need for proven Premier League players. The last summer window Leeds were involved in before a Premier League campaign, came prior to the 2022-23 season.
That summer saw Leeds choose to buy a whole raft of players without any Premier League experience. The likes of Luis Sinisterra, Brenden Aaronson, Marc Roca – and it resulted in relegation a year later.
Leeds receive boost in pursuit of Newcastle’s Callum Wilson
Leeds are interested in signing Newcastle’s 33-year-old striker Callum Wilson. The nine-time England international has only started two Premier League games for Newcastle under Eddie Howe this season.
Wilson is out of contract in June but Newcastle do have the option to extend his contract by a further 12 months, if they trigger a clause in his contract before June 30. The Athletic provide an update on that.
They say as time goes on, it is increasingly unlikely that Newcastle will trigger the extension clause in Wilson’s contract before it expires. That allows Leeds to approach Wilson on a free transfer this summer.
Callum Wilson’s Premier League stats are good, but is he past it?
Looking at his Premier League stats, luring the former Bournemouth ace to Elland Road on a 12-month deal with an option makes sense for a striker Eddie Howe said is “outstanding”. But, there are issues.
Wilson is somewhat prone to injury and while he has netted 88 Premier League goals throughout his career, his last Premier League goal came in April 2024. His wages could prove to be an issue, as well.
Callum Wilson’s Premier League stats:
Wilson is believed to be on a contract worth £110,000 a week at Newcastle. It would make him Leeds’ highest-paid player by some considerable margin. If he wants the same amount, he is simply not worth it.
