Leeds United Concerned with Callum Wilson’s Age and Fitness Issues
=============================================================
Leeds United are considering a move for Newcastle striker Callum Wilson, but sources close to the club have told Football Insider that they are hesitant due to concerns over his age and fitness issues.
According to senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke, speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Leeds are weighing up a move for the 33-year-old England forward, but sources have revealed that the club are put off by Wilson’s lack of game-time this season. Wilson has missed most of the season with back and hamstring problems, which has led to concerns over his fitness.
Daniel Farke will be on the hunt for a striker this summer after Football Insider revealed that a number nine and goalkeeper are “priority positions” for Leeds in the transfer market. However, sources close to the club have told Football Insider that Wilson’s age and fitness issues are a red flag for Farke.
Leeds are under no illusions that they need to improve on Joel Piroe, Patrick Bamford, and Mateo Joseph next season, but Football Insider sources have said that Wilson’s lack of game-time is a concern. Piroe scored 19 goals in Leeds’ Championship-winning campaign, but the club are looking to strengthen their attacking options.
“It’s definitely the calibre of striker they should be looking at,” O’Rourke told Football Insider. “The question mark or concern regarding Callum Wilson is his age, and his fitness issues over the last couple of seasons. He’s 33 now and has missed large chunks of this season with back and hamstring problems, and when he has been fit, he’s found Alexander Isak in his way in that Newcastle team – he hasn’t been able to break in.”
Wilson’s record of 47 goals in 110 Premier League appearances for Newcastle speaks for itself, but his failure to find the net across 17 games this term suggests that his powers are firmly on the decline. Leeds already have an aging and injury-prone striker on their books in the form of Bamford, who is likely to depart Elland Road this summer.
Premier League experience is a must for Leeds’ transfer targets this summer, and although the likes of Jamie Vardy are linked with moves to Elland Road, United need more players on their way up the ladder rather than down it. As O’Rourke noted, “Wilson would be a good signing on a free transfer for a number of clubs.
Source link
