West Ham are on the verge of sealing the signing of free agent striker Callum Wilson in a controversial deal but there is one hurdle left to clear.
- Hammers News exclusive
West Ham are edging closer to the controversial signing of Callum Wilson — with just one obstacle reportedly standing in the way.
The deal has split opinion among Hammers fans, but the club appears determined to push it over the line.
After a positive week in the world of West Ham, the mood quickly darkened among fans when it was claimed Graham Potter did not feel he needed to sign a new striker.
Hammers fans expected at least one, if not two, new forward signings this summer transfer window.
Especially given Niclas Fullkrug is the last senior striker officially on West Ham’s books.
West Ham striker situation sparks divide
And the fact Potter said he sees Fullkrug as more of an impact sub for West Ham after dropping him for a 2-0 win at Man United towards the end of last season, led most to believe a new first choice striker would be on the way to the London Stadium.
Especially after West Ham’s hierarchy stated they “hope to sign one or two strikers” in an exciting statement two weeks ago.
The stance appeared to completely change when club insider Sean Whetstone – who counts majority owner David Sullivan among his close contacts – claimed Potter had told the board he doesn’t think he needs to sign any new strikers.
That claim was later verified by the top spokesman for West Ham’s board.
Potter is yet to fully earn the trust and belief of West Ham fans.
So, understandably, his alleged judgement on the striker situation did not go down well with Hammers supporters.
And many among the fanbase were infuriated further by a major Hammers News exclusive this week.
That’s after West Ham revealed they ‘expect’ to sign free agent forward Callum Wilson after his Newcastle exit.
Callum Wilson is a client of Will Salthouse – the preferred agent of the Sullivan family – and has been linked with the Hammers in almost every transfer window dating back to his Bournemouth days.
There was a backlash from some fans given Wilson turns 34 next season and – as the club admitted themselves in the Hammers News exclusive – is seriously injury-prone.
Many fans feel Wilson certainly doesn’t fit the recruitment policy of Potter and head of recruitment Kyle Macaulay.
One hurdle left before West Ham seal controversial Wilson deal
Especially after Potter came out and said the main aim of his summer rebuild was to drastically lower the age of the Premier League’s oldest squad.
But it very much looks like it is going to happen.
Now there is just one hurdle left to clear before West Ham seal the controversial Wilson signing.
Wilson has antagonised Hammers fans down the years – and not just because he’s scored more goals against them than any other club.
The 33-year-old has often got under the skin of West Ham fans, especially after referring to his handball goal against them for Bournemouth as a ‘touch of magic’.
Although in mitigation, a couple of years ago Wilson described West Ham as a club ‘everyone wants to play for’.
Now it looks like he’s about to get the chance to do just that.
Wilson is expected to sign a deal at West Ham where his wages are heavily loaded towards appearances.
In a similar deal to that offered to Wilson’s close friend Michail Antonio, the ex England forward will pick up a modest – by Premier League standards – weekly wage but with a huge uptick based on appearances.
Word is the striker feels supremely confident he will be earning the thicker end of the wedge because he believes he will feature regularly for the Hammers.
Wilson’s West Ham contract length is last sticking point
However, there is one thing that still needs to be ironed out before Wilson can be confirmed as West Ham’s third summer signing.
Hammers News understands all that remains is for the length of the contract to be agreed.
There is a slight difference of opinion on the deal length with Wilson and Salthouse reportedly pushing for a two-year deal.
West Ham meanwhile are offering a 12-month contract with the option of another year.
It may be that a compromise is made whereby a certain number of appearances or starts triggers the second year.
But the deal now looks well down the road and Wilson won’t be scoring against the Hammers next season because he will be playing for them instead.
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