West Ham United have signed 33-year-old striker Callum Wilson on a one-year contract as a free agent, following his departure from Newcastle United. (reuters.com)

West Ham United have bolstered their attacking options by signing 33-year-old striker Callum Wilson on a one-year contract as a free agent, following his departure from Newcastle United. Wilson, who previously played for AFC Bournemouth, brings a wealth of Premier League experience to the London Stadium.

During his tenure at Newcastle, Wilson made 130 appearances, scoring 49 goals across all competitions. His tenure at Newcastle was marked by a standout 2022–23 season, where he netted 18 Premier League goals and represented England in the World Cup. However, the subsequent season was marred by injuries, limiting him to just 18 league appearances without adding to his goal tally.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the move, Wilson stated, “I’m excited to be joining a massive football club like West Ham. A club that shares a similar passion to mine, hard work, dedication, and also I strive for success so I’m glad to be a part of it.”

West Ham’s manager, Graham Potter, praised Wilson’s attributes, highlighting his proven track record in the Premier League. He emphasized Wilson’s work ethic and character, noting, “He is a proven, experienced Premier League striker, with a great work ethic and a fantastic … . He also has excellent character and personality.

The signing of Wilson is part of West Ham’s broader strategy to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season. Prior to this acquisition, the club secured the services of Jean-Clair Todibo from Nice for £32.8 million, Daniel Cummings from Celtic on a Bosman deal, El Hadji Malick Diouf from Slavia Prague for £19 million, and Kyle Walker-Peters from Southampton on a free transfer.

Wilson’s arrival is expected to provide valuable depth and experience to West Ham’s attacking lineup, offering competition for the current forwards and potentially alleviating the goal-scoring burden. His familiarity with the Premier League and previous success against West Ham, having scored 12 goals in 16 appearances against them, suggests he could make an immediate impact.

As the season approaches, West Ham fans will be keen to see how Wilson integrates into the team and contributes to the club’s ambitions in the upcoming campaign.