Brentford are closing in on a deal to sign veteran Premier League striker Callum Wilson on a free transfer, according to a report. The move would see the 32-year-old former England international leave Newcastle United after a six-year stint at St. James' Park.
Wilson has scored 48 goals in 108 appearances for the Magpies, but his playing time has been limited recently by injuries and the emergence of Alexander Isak. A move to west London would give him a chance at regular first-team football again.
For Brentford, the signing represents a calculated gamble on a proven goalscorer with a track record in the top flight, but also one with a concerning injury history. The club has built a reputation for smart recruitment and could see Wilson as a short-term solution to bolster their attack.
A free transfer eliminates any fee, but Wilson's significant wages remain a factor. The Bees will need to structure a deal that fits their wage bill while offering the player enough incentive to leave Newcastle.
Countering that optimism, some analysts question whether Wilson's persistent injury problems make him a risky addition, even on a free. Brentford's medical team will have to be confident he can stay fit to justify the investment in wages.