Callum Wilson discusses impact Shearer had on Newcastle move

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Callum Wilson has told The Footballer’s Football Podcast that Alan Shearer played a big part in him joining Newcastle United, having first reached out to him when the striker suffered his first serious injury in 2016.

Wilson has been a fantastic signing for the Magpies after his £20 million move. He was their top goalscorer last season, finishing the Premier League campaign with 12 goals in just 26 games.

He has been outstanding once again this year. Unfortunately, injury has been a factor in his season, but he has still managed six goals in 15 games. Without his goals, Eddie Howe’s men would surely be in a much tougher situation in their battle to beat the drop.

Of course, Wilson has huge shoes to fill on Tyneside. Any player who takes the number nine shirt is going to be mentioned in the same breath as Shearer simply for that gesture.

Some have been comically bad at living up to expectations. And obviously, there is never going to be another player who manages to enjoy anything like the success that Shearer has had.

‘Someone who everyone in the city looks up to’

But Wilson has done a very good job since coming to Newcastle. And he outlined just how important Shearer has been in his career, even from long before he joined the Magpies.

“I think for me Alan Shearer played a big part in me joining Newcastle and he’s a big Newcastle legend,” he told The Footballer’s Football Podcast.

“He’s someone who everyone in the city looks up to and whatever he says in the media, whether true, false or indifferent – everyone will agree with what he’s saying.

“For me he’s been that kind of person who gave me that little bit of advice and reached out to me when I first got injured and stuff like that, when I did my ACL back in 2016 now.

“He didn’t have to send me a text message, I’d not played much Premier League, but he took a liking to me and we have found our way to be in the same club that we both feel so passionate about now.”

Wilson definitely one player with future at Newcastle as exciting summer looms

Wilson’s injury record is a concern. However, there is no doubt that he has been a massive signing for the club.

He is one player who surely has a future at St James’ Park beyond this season. The club will have big plans for the summer. And a number of the existing squad are surely likely to be replaced.

A new striker will almost definitely come in. But Wilson is surely going to get the chance to kick on as Newcastle’s number nine in the new era.