Callum Wilson has officially left Newcastle United, with former Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin among his potential replacements.
Callum Wilson Confirms Newcastle Exit
Newcastle have officially parted ways with injury-prone striker Callum Wilson.
The Magpies opened discussions with the former England international over a new contract last week, but having failed to reach an agreement, he exits on a free transfer.
Wilson joined Newcastle from Bournemouth for around £20m in 2020. During his time on Tyneside, he scored a total of 49 goals in 130 appearances across all competitions.
According to reports, newly promoted Leeds United are interested in signing the 33-year-old. Wilson is also believed to have options in Major League Soccer and the Championship.
“To all you Magpies, it’s time to say goodbye after an unbelievable few years at the Toon,” he said in a statement posted on his social channels.
“Thank you for everything. We stood strong together through the highs and some lows to help the club experience new heights.
“I am so proud to have worn the iconic number 9 shirt and to have added a little more history to it. Scoring at the Gallowgate end really is as special as they say.
“All good things come to an end, but there’s no doubt Newcastle United will always have a place in mine and my families hearts.”
— Callum Wilson (@CallumWilson) July 7, 2025
His departure leaves Newcastle with just one experienced striker in Alexander Isak.
The Swede has been linked with a move away from the club, with Liverpool looking to secure his signature, but the UK’s best football betting sites favour him to remain in the North East.
William Osula is another option in attack, but having failed to start a single league game for the club since joining in 2024, Eddie Howe is after a more established option to deputise for Isak.
Who Could Replace Callum Wilson At Newcastle?
Dominic Calvert-Lewin
11-time England international Dominic Calvert-Lewin announced that he’d be leaving Everton upon the expiry of his contract at the end of last month, making him available on a free transfer.
It is reported that the Magpies are interested in offering him a contract, with talkSPORT claiming that the club have opened talks with the 28-year-old’s representatives.
Manchester United, Leeds United, Sunderland and West Ham have also been linked.
Although it is a realistic transfer and clearly feasible from Newcastle’s perspective, a move for Calvert-Lewin would undoubtedly be a gamble.
The Sheffield United academy graduate has struggled with injuries over the last few years and managed just three goals and two assists in 26 Premier League outings last season.
Regardless, Howe is said to be a long-time admirer of Calvert-Lewin, so a move could well come to fruition before the summer window slams shut, as the Magpies look to bolster their options ahead of their return to the Champions League.
Samu Aghehowa
Another striker that has been linked with a move to St. James’ Park is Samu Aghehowa.
The 21-year-old joined Porto in 2024 from Atletico Madrid in a deal worth around £13m. He scored 27 goals in 45 appearances across all competitions for the Liga Portugal side last term.
With such impressive numbers, it’s hardly surprising to see Premier League sides interested.
Alongside Newcastle, Aston Villa are interested in signing the Spaniard. It looks as though the pair may be priced out of a move, however, as the youngster’s release clause is around £82.5m.
Additionally, Aghehowa came close to joining Chelsea in July 2024.
If he becomes available for less than his reported release clause, the Magpies may return to negotiations. Given his age too, he looks to be a better long-term option than Calvert-Lewin.
Marcus Rashford
Manchester United star Marcus Rashford provides a fascinating option for the Magpies.
He impressed on loan at Villa during the second half of last term, registering four goals and six assists in 17 appearances for Unai Emery’s side across all competitions.
Rashford is particularly an interesting replacement for Wilson due to his versatility. The 27-year-old is capable of featuring anywhere across the front line, as a striker or on either flank.
This would be useful for Newcastle, as they are also in the market for a right winger. They are currently in talks for Anthony Elanga, however Nottingham Forest are reluctant to sell.
Rashford’s £300,000 weekly wage and the fact that he isn’t willing to take a pay cut may become a stumbling block for Howe’s side, however.
If they follow through on their interest in the England international, they will face competition for his signature, with Barcelona favoured among new betting sites to sign the forward.
Serie A side Inter Milan have also made a loan enquiry for Rashford, while the likes of Napoli, Tottenham and Villa have all been linked with the wantaway star as well.
