For any side that’s just enjoyed promotion to the Premier League, nailing your summer transfers is an absolute necessity to stand any chances of survival.
The last two seasons have seen all three promoted sides go straight back down, so it’s understandable why Leeds United, Burnley and Sunderland have each adopted a different strategy in the transfer market.
Leeds United have recruited some excellent all-rounders, with former Magpie Sean Longstaff the pick of the bunch in a £15m move sealed last Friday.
Sunderland have scouted abroad, and could be set to bring in former Arsenal captain and Bayer Leverkusen invincible Granit Xhaka to the North East.
Burnley meanwhile, if reports are to be believed, could be set to another former Newcastle star one last chance in the Premier League limelight, which would be a huge gamble…
Former Newcastle forward offered Turf Moor move
Callum Wilson could be set to join Scott Parker’s Burnley this summer, after he left St James’ Park as a free agent at the beginning of this month.
According to The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath, Wilson has the endorsement of both the Clarets’ squad and staff, and would be a welcome, experienced option if he was to make the move to Turf Moor this summer.
Having joined us in 2020, Wilson’s prolific goalscoring form came to a screeching halt back in the 2023-24 season, having been plagued by injuries and with the fact that Alexander Isak was the striker he was having to compete against for minutes.
Kyle Walker has already completed a big move to Burnley this summer from Manchester City, and former Newcastle captain Parker has also looked at fellow free agents Jamie Vardy and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Other opportunities available to Wilson
Wilson has made no secret that he is still vying for a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England side, particularly with the World Cup taking place at the end of the upcoming campaign.
Consistent minutes looks to be the key for the 33-year-old to stand any chance of being part of the Three Lions set up in the USA next summer, and we have seen Tuchel go for experience and character after call ups for Jordan Henderson and Dan Burn.
McGrath hints that Wilson does have options and interest in both the MLS and Saudi Pro League, it would just be a matter of if he could get more minutes abroad or in the English top flight.
Despite frustrating injury woes ending his Toon career on a sour note, when fit and firing there’s few better options available to England than Callum Wilson. With an exceptional penalty record as well, Wilson could be in with a genuine shout of the final squad next summer if he makes the right move now.
