West Ham United has blocked plans to terminate the contract of striker Callum Wilson, a move that would have allowed him to leave the club as a free agent this month. The 33-year-old's deal was up for renewal in the summer, but the London-based side has opted not to release him from his contract, citing the need for Wilson's experience and goalscoring ability.
Wilson had been in advanced discussions with West Ham over terminating his deal, which expires in June, amid the arrival of new forwards Pablo Felipe and Tati Castellanos. However, a leading Hammers official has intervened to put an end to those talks, ensuring Wilson remains at the London Stadium until the end of the season.
The decision comes after Wilson scored a late winner for West Ham against Tottenham on Saturday, sparking hopes that he can continue to make an impact at the club despite his limited first-team opportunities. His goal against Spurs marked the Englishman's fifth strike in 19 appearances since joining West Ham on a free transfer last summer.
West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo had initially confirmed talks over Wilson's potential exit, stating: "Me and Callum we had a lot of conversations... Callum is a very experienced man, he's been in the game for so much time, he knows that his position has changed." However, it appears that these discussions have now been put on hold, with Wilson set to remain at the club until the summer.
This decision will likely be met with relief from fans and pundits alike, as West Ham finds itself battling to stay in the Premier League. With goals being increasingly scarce for the London side, the presence of experienced forwards like Callum Wilson could prove crucial in their fight to avoid relegation.
Wilson had been in advanced discussions with West Ham over terminating his deal, which expires in June, amid the arrival of new forwards Pablo Felipe and Tati Castellanos. However, a leading Hammers official has intervened to put an end to those talks, ensuring Wilson remains at the London Stadium until the end of the season.
The decision comes after Wilson scored a late winner for West Ham against Tottenham on Saturday, sparking hopes that he can continue to make an impact at the club despite his limited first-team opportunities. His goal against Spurs marked the Englishman's fifth strike in 19 appearances since joining West Ham on a free transfer last summer.
West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo had initially confirmed talks over Wilson's potential exit, stating: "Me and Callum we had a lot of conversations... Callum is a very experienced man, he's been in the game for so much time, he knows that his position has changed." However, it appears that these discussions have now been put on hold, with Wilson set to remain at the club until the summer.
This decision will likely be met with relief from fans and pundits alike, as West Ham finds itself battling to stay in the Premier League. With goals being increasingly scarce for the London side, the presence of experienced forwards like Callum Wilson could prove crucial in their fight to avoid relegation.