Celtic in dire need of a centre-forward. Callum Wilson anyone? Our board love a free agent signing so this one might appeal…
Callum Wilson of West Ham United celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and West Ham United at City Ground on August 31, 2025. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
It’s no secret that we’re struggling in the striking department, with Kelechi Iheanacho seemingly made of glass, and Johnny Kenny not what you would describe as a first choice pick.
At the top of our wish list this window should be a centre forward, not a project but a seasoned striker who knows the way to goal, and has the record to back it up.
West Ham and Callum Wilson have agreed to cancel his contract early allowing him to become a free agent. #WHUFC pic.twitter.com/ernlpwQzRl
— Pete O’Rourke (@SportsPeteO) January 6, 2026
It’s no secret that we’re struggling in the striking department, with Kelechi Iheanacho seemingly made of glass, and Johnny Kenny not what you would describe as a satisfactory first choice pick.
At the top of our wish list this window will be a first tam ready, fully fit centre forward, not another project but a seasoned striker who knows the way to goal, and has the record at the top level to back it up.
Callum Wilson of West Ham United celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and West Ham United at City Ground on August 31, 2025. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
Admittedly that sort of quality is scarce, not just in the usual slow January window, but at any time for that matter. However one man who could fit the bill, and more importantly is likely to be available for a nominal fee, or even better no fee at all as it’s rumoured that his time at his current club is about to be terminated.
That striker is Callum Wilson of West Ham, a player that was touted among several fan sites in the summer after he left Newcastle, only for West Ham to swoop in and acquire his signature.
Callum Wilson of West Ham United celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammate Jean-Clair Todibo during the Premier League match between Bournemouth and West Ham United at Vitality Stadium on November 22, 2025. (Photo by Alex Broadway/Getty Images)
Approaching his 34th birthday, the former England international is no spring chicken in footballing terms, but he’s still a player who is capable of producing the goods, something he’s been doing this campaign at the top level.
Wilson is a proven striker at the highest level in the EPL with Bournemouth, Newcastle, and even in his short stay in East London he’s scored four times in seventeen appearances for a struggling Hammers side, and it’s now been reported that the Londoners are about to release him from his contract.
Callum Wilson of West Ham United celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammate Jean-Clair Todibo during the Premier League match between Bournemouth and West Ham United at Vitality Stadium on November 22, 2025. (Photo by Alex Broadway/Getty Images)
Wilson would also be a good option as we could get him free and on a short term deal, which would be ideal with a new manager set to be appointed in the summer.
We need someone who knows the way to goal as we aim to defend our league title. We could do much worse than Callum Wilson to help us take more of the chances we can create but simply don’t have the goal-scorers to benefit.
Kyogo Furuhashi runs with the ball during the Scottish Cup Fourth Round match between Celtic and Kilmarnock at Celtic Park on January 18, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
It’s almost a year since Kyogo left so it’s remarkable that Celtic don’t have a striker lined up after the failing at Boardroom level in the summer transfer window.
Callum Wilson would tick both the experience and quality boxes and is name worthy of consideration by Martin O’Neill and his coaching staff.
It’s certainly worthy of consideration.
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
All Books Now Half Price in the Celtic Star Books January Sale…
Celtic in the Thirties by Celtic Historian Matt Corr is published in two volumes by Celtic Star Books. ORDER NOW!
Both volumes of Celtic in the Thirties are now available on Amazon Kindle, with the links to order below. Signed copies of both volumes are available on hardback from Celtic Star Books and if you would like author Matt Corr to add a special dedication to your copies please let us know. Order hardback copies HERE or for Amazon Kindle click on the links below…
Click to order Volume One
Click to order Volume Two
