Shear inspiration for my move to Magpies
WILSON SEALS £ 20M DEAL
CALLUM WILSON has revealed how Newcastle legend Alan Shearer convinced him to make his £ 20million switch to Tyneside. The 28- year- old striker completed his move from relegated Bournemouth and will be joined by former Cherries team- mate Ryan Fraser at St James’ Park. Shearer, below, the Toon’s all- time leading scorer, contacted Wilson in 2018 when he received the first of his four England caps.
The pair kept in n touch and Wilson explained ned how the Three Lions ns great supported him m through two serious knee injuries.
“Shearer messaged d me when I got a call- up for England and we’ve e’ve also been in touch h about b coming here,” said Wilson, who is expected to make his debut at West Ham on Saturday. “I asked a few questions, ‘ What’s it like around the town?’ and things like that.
“He was nothing but in praise of the football club and the place. “It was already in my mind I was coming here but that just nailed it on.”
Wilson is relishing the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Shearer, who scored a club record 206 goals in a decade at Newcastle. Having rejected Aston Villa’s advances, he said his mind was made up as soon as he knew the Magpies wanted him.
“From the minute I knew Newcastle were interested, it was definitely something that appealed to me,” said Wilson.
“It’s a massive club with great history. Along the years they’ve had great strikers, so if I can emulate half of what they’ve done, I’d like to attempt that.” With last summer’s £ 40m record si signing Joelinton having man managed just two league go goals in his debut season, Newcastle were in need of a prolific scorer.
“Callum is somebody I’ I’ve admired for a long tim time and I’m delighted to get him,” said manager S Steve B Bruce.
“He’s done fantastically well at Bournemouth.”
Bruce, who also hopes to land Norwich defender Jamal Lewis, was equally thrilled at the freetransfer capture of Scotland winger Fraser on a five- year contract.
He said: “We have held off big competition to get his signature and that says a lot about what this club has to offer.
“He has wonderful chemistry on the pitch with Callum, which excites me and I hope it excites our supporters.”