Callum Wilson
At 26, Callum Wilson has finally managed to hit his stride. It changes from striker to striker, with the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Timo Werner and even Michael Owen among others hitting it very early in their careers. Then there are the likes of Olivier Giroud, Didier Drogba and even Nicolas Anelka who hit it late; but all strikers do hit their stride. For Bournemouth star Callum Wilson, it’s come at the age of 26.
Perhaps his major issues with knee injuries played a part in him reaching his potential as a youngster, but now with 8 goals and 6 assists in the Premier League alone, the Englishman has come off age.
And he has done so at the perfect time as many consider the ages between 25 and 30 to be when any footballer worth their teeth hit their prime. But with great form comes great interest and for Bournemouth, Chelsea are the main side who are after their super striker.
The Independent has reported that the 26-year-old is one of several Blues targets for the January window as Sarri looks to reinforce his side for the other half of the Premier League season. With the former Napoli boss chasing Liverpool and Manchester City, he needs a tip-top in-form striker leading his line. To that end, Wilson could well be his man. Bournemouth, however, are adamant that Wilson won’t be sold but things could get complicated once the transfer window opens.
The Cherries should be more than ready to fight to keep their star striker and there is no reason why not. If Wilson continues to progress at this level, eventually he’ll attract greater attention. But for the time being, Bournemouth will still have to fight interest from Chelsea to keep him.
While both Callum Wilson and Ryan Fraser have been in fine form, the rest of Eddie Howe’s team has been average so far this season. New signing David Brooks has been among the goals but he’s still adjusting to the Premier League.
Former Manchester United man Josh King has struggled with injuries all season but he did chip in with a few goals. However, if Eddie Howe loses Wilson with no bonafide replacement, the Cherries could find themselves in deep trouble.
Either the Cherries’ boss has to spend big over the winter and sign a classy forward or wait till next summer, hoping that Wilson somehow manages to hit a 25-goal season, thus increasing his market value. This will allow Howe to re-spend the money, strengthening key areas and maybe even signing a proper goalscorer.
