Transfer News – Celtic take first steps for West Ham striker Callum Wilson

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·16 de janeiro de 2026

Transfer News – Celtic take first steps for West Ham striker Callum Wilson

Celtic have reportedly taken their first steps towards a potential move for West Ham striker Callum Wilson…

Callum Wilson of West Ham United in action during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Brighton & Hove Albion at London Stadium on December 30, 2025. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Interim boss Martin O’Neill remains eager to strengthen his attacking options as the club pushes for a fifth consecutive Scottish Premiership title, with recruitment efforts accelerating behind the scenes.

Vídeos OneFootball

Franko Kovacevic 27.09.2025 – Celje – Maribor 10th round of the Slovenian First Football League Telemach. Photo Nik Erik Neubauer IMAGO

A number of forwards have already been linked in recent days, including Chelsea loanee David Datro Fofana, NK Celje’s Franko Kovacevic and Lorient attacker Mohamed Bamba.

O’Neill recently joked that the club has been forced to reassess a vast number of targets after the departures of Wilfried Nancy and Paul Tisdale disrupted Celtic’s transfer strategy. However, a name previously viewed as speculative now appears to have genuine traction.

Wilson, 33, is a nine-time England international who has scored twice for his country. He arrived at West Ham on a free transfer from Newcastle during the summer, but has since been linked with an exit following the appointment of Nuno Espirito Santo.

While sections of the Scottish press had floated Wilson as a possible option, the level of Celtic’s interest had remained uncertain until now. Speaking on talkSPORT, transfer journalist Ben Jacobs confirmed that the Scottish champions have made an initial approach regarding the forward’s availability.

Callum Wilson of West Ham United celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammate Jean-Clair Todibo during the Premier League match between Bournemouth and West Ham United at Vitality Stadium on November 22, 2025. (Photo by Alex Broadway/Getty Images)

Jacobs said: “I think Celtic have made an initial enquiry to the player’s side only. They’re trying to establish, first and foremost: is Wilson’s contract going to be terminated? Because Wilson as a free agent – still with a relatively high wage expectation – is one thing…”

“But nobody wants to actually do a deal with West Ham unless he goes into free agency. And like Michail Antonio, if that proves to be the case, this isn’t something that has to be done imminently. Player and clubs can take their time.”

“So West Ham and Wilson are still in talks to finalise an expected termination, but it’s not 100% done yet.”

“And then, Celtic could be interested. Leicester City have also made an enquiry as well, and there remain two Saudi clubs – Al-Ettifaq, who used to be managed by Steven Gerrard, and Al-Shabab.”

It is worth noting that, as Just an Ordinary Bhoy reported earlier, Sky Sports have also now reported Celtic are interested in Wilson.

Conor Spence

Morning Gossip: Todays rumours are offering West Ham striker Callum Wilson a pay as you play deal. Strange link to FC Basel LW winger Philip Otele. Franko Kovacevic asking price set at €5m. Still links to Bowie. Also talk we are looking for a RCB & CM. Clock ticking @CelticFC HH
– sexta-feira, 16 de janeiro de 2026

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