Celtic In Talks With This Premier League Forward Ahead Of A January Move: Why He Could Be A Statement Signing | OneFootball

If a recent transfer update from Ben Jacobs is believed to be true, Celtic have opened talks with Callum Wilson’s entourage ahead of a potential winter swoop. The veteran English centre-forward is expected to terminate his contract with West Ham United and could even ply his trade in Saudi Arabia if Al-Ettifaq and Al-Shabab reignite their summer interest.

The 33-year-old England international has enjoyed an illustrious career since progressing through Coventry City’s academy ranks. After loan spells in the non-league with Kettering Town and Tamworth, Wilson was roped in by then Championship side Bournemouth following a productive stint with the Skyblues in League One.

The Englishman helped the Cherries claim a top-flight status by firing in 20 league goals. Despite rupturing the ACLs of both his knees during his time in Dorset, his scoring form in the Premier League earned him a £20m transfer to Newcastle United in the summer of 2020. Injuries prevented him from cementing his spot, yet he netted 49 goals in 130 appearances during his five-year tenure at Tyneside.

Surplus To Requirements At West Ham

Wilson left the Magpies upon his contract expiry, but secured a switch to West Ham on a heavily incentivised contract. While he netted 4 times in 18 appearances across competitions, Nuno Espirito Santo no longer considers him in his first-team plans. The Hammers, currently stuck in the relegation zone, are fighting for survival, and the arrival of Taty Castellanos and Pablo has pushed the veteran Three Lions star further down the pecking order.

The Portuguese boss revealed earlier this month.

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 07: Callum Wilson of West Ham United is challenged by Lewis Dunk of Brighton & Hove Albion during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and West Ham United at Amex Stadium on December 07, 2025 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

Celtic, meanwhile, are in discussion to understand his salary expectations as well as the eagerness to move north of the border. They are also keeping close tabs on Franko Kovačević and David Datro Fofana; however, Wilson’s experience and expertise should make him the preferred choice if the board decides to sign only one new striker within the next couple of weeks.

Wilson Could Help Celtic Attain Immediate Success

The Hoops let Kyogo Furuhashi and Adam Idah leave in consecutive windows without bringing in a proven goalscorer. They tried to control the damage by securing a Bosman deal for Kelechi Iheanacho, but the Nigerian ‘number 9’ has missed months of action due to persistent injury woes. Callum Osmand impressed in limited minutes before suffering a hamstring tear, thus forcing Martin O’Neill to rely on Daizen Maeda and Johnny Kenny in spearheading the attack.

Wilson’s fitness remains a concern, but he could resolve their crisis up top if managed cautiously over the next few months. His movements and poaching traits would bolster their title hopes. But the champions must also recruit another prolific centre-forward, who would eventually succeed him in the long run.