Image source: bbc.com
West Ham have blocked plans for Callum Wilson to leave this month by putting talks to terminate his contract on hold, with a senior club official stepping in to stop the process. The 33-year-old, whose deal expires in the summer, was in advanced discussions over an exit that would have allowed him to join another club as a free agent. Wilson is now expected to remain at the London Stadium until season’s end.
West Ham block Callum Wilson exit talks as striker set to stay to summer
West Ham have paused discussions over terminating Callum Wilson’s contract, effectively preventing the striker from leaving the club this month. Wilson had been in advanced talks over an agreement to be released from his deal, which expires in the summer. However, a leading Hammers official intervened to halt those conversations, with Wilson now set to stay at the London Stadium until the end of the season.
The change in direction comes after Wilson scored a last-minute winner in Saturday’s London derby against Tottenham. West Ham have decided internally that allowing him to depart would be self-defeating, with the club described as desperately in need of goals in their fight to stay in the Premier League.
Wilson joined West Ham on a free transfer in the summer after five years at Newcastle. He has scored five goals in 19 appearances for the club. Despite that return, his first-team opportunities had looked set to become limited following the arrivals of forwards Pablo Felipe and Tati Castellanos this month.
Those signings had helped prompt talks between Wilson and West Ham over ending his deal early, a move that would have allowed the England striker to find a new club on a free transfer. West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo confirmed earlier this month that conversations were taking place, saying he had been honest with Wilson about his position changing, while adding the club might still need him and that he should help after joining.
