Former Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson endured another disappointing night for West Ham United on Monday, as his struggles for game time under Nuno Espírito Santo continued.
The 33-year-old forward, once a key figure for Newcastle, now finds himself on the fringes of the squad in London, watching on helplessly as his new team fell to another frustrating defeat.
Wilson’s move to West Ham during the summer was supposed to mark a fresh chapter in his Premier League career.
After leaving Newcastle at the end of his contract, he joined the Hammers with the expectation of continuing to play top-flight football and contributing his experience to their attack.
However, things have not gone as planned. Newcastle have moved on swiftly with Nick Woltemade arriving from Stuttgart, making an immediate impact in attack, while Yoane Wissa is still sidelined through injury.
Meanwhile, Alexander Isak’s move to Liverpool completed the transformation of Newcastle’s frontline, leaving Wilson to seek new opportunities elsewhere.
For Wilson, Monday night’s clash against Brentford at the London Stadium summed up his current situation. Despite West Ham’s obvious struggles in front of goal, he was left on the bench for the entire game.
The Hammers were comfortably beaten 2-0, producing a lifeless display that lacked creativity and urgency. Yet even with his team chasing the game, Nuno opted against using Wilson. Instead, he introduced youngster Callum Marshall in attack, leaving the former Magpies striker visibly frustrated on the sidelines.
To make matters worse, Lucas Paquetá started the match as a false nine, a tactical decision that effectively pushed Wilson further down the pecking order.
For a player of Wilson’s calibre and experience, being overlooked in such circumstances sends a strong signal about where he currently stands in Nuno’s plans.
Since the Portuguese manager took charge, Wilson hasn’t played a single minute, a remarkable decline for someone who was once among the most clinical finishers in the Premier League.
While age has naturally slowed him down a little, Wilson still possesses sharp instincts, strong movement, and a proven eye for goal qualities West Ham could certainly use.
During his time at Newcastle, he became a fan favourite for his consistent scoring and leadership, often stepping up in big moments when the team needed him most.
His professionalism and understanding of the game were never in doubt, but at West Ham, he now faces the challenge of convincing a new manager that he still has something valuable to offer.
Given his current lack of opportunities, a January move may be on the horizon. Wilson joined West Ham with ambitions of regular football, but that dream seems to be fading fast.
With Nuno favouring a younger, more mobile frontline, the veteran striker could soon be forced to look elsewhere for game time. Several Premier League clubs in need of experience and depth up front could be potential destinations, while a move abroad may also appeal if it guarantees him more minutes on the pitch.
Newcastle fans, who still hold Wilson in high regard, will no doubt be keeping an eye on his situation. Many will feel a sense of sympathy watching a player who gave so much to their club sitting unused as West Ham struggle for goals.
While his time at St. James’ Park ended amicably, it’s clear that Wilson still has the hunger to compete he just needs the right manager to put their trust in him.
For now, though, the picture looks bleak. Wilson remains on the bench, waiting for a chance that may never come under Nuno.
If things don’t change soon, another move could be the only way for him to reignite his career and remind everyone that, despite the years, Callum Wilson still knows exactly where the goal is.
