Graham Potter is understood to have signed off on West Ham United’s move for Callum Wilson, but only if the striker’s contract is tied to performance.

That’s according to Claret & Hugh, who say the manager is now on board with the free transfer as long as the deal is structured around results.

It comes after days of conflicting reports and rising fan tension, with fresh questions over how much control Potter really has over transfers.

From Rejection to Reluctant Approval?

Just earlier today, we reported how Graham Potter rejected the boards suggestion of brining in Callum Wilson. Since then, a senior club source has told Claret & Hugh that:

“He [Graham Potter] is happy as long as contract is very success-related.”

That shift in tone has already sparked debate online. Internally, the club reportedly sees Wilson as a short-term fix, someone who could offer experience and finishing instinct without risking a big fee or long-term commitment.

Wilson, who turns 34 this season, is being lined up to compete with Niclas Fullkrug, whose fitness remains under watch, and to support younger options like Calum Marshall and Daniel Cummings.

A Risky Addition

The concern, as ever with Wilson, is fitness. His record is brutal: two ACL tears, calf problems, hamstring setbacks, a fractured foot. He has missed 57 matches in the last two seasons alone.

Newcastle offered him a pay-as-you-play deal, which he turned down. Now, West Ham are reportedly putting together a similar kind of package, heavily based on goals and appearances. The aim is clear: keep the financial risk low, hope for impact when he’s available.

Yet there is no escaping the gamble. When fit, Wilson delivers. He scored 18 goals in the 2022/23 season and helped fire Newcastle into the Champions League. But those moments have come in patches, not seasons.

Sullivan, Salthouse, and the Same Old Concerns

Behind the scenes, this deal has all the hallmarks of another David Sullivan special. Wilson is represented by Will Salthouse of Unique Sports Group, whose close relationship with Sullivan has been a recurring theme in recent windows.

Fans have not missed that connection either. The signing has triggered a wave of criticism online, with many describing it as another example of the board overriding football logic in favour of short-term deals and agent ties.

One commenter on Claret & Hugh put it bluntly: “This would be a typical, short termist Sullivan signing. Exactly the sort of signing that has seen the club’s fortunes plummet.”

Fans Aren’t Buying It

The backlash has been swift and widespread. From sarcastic comparisons to Danny Ings to outright anger over what supporters see as another “bargain basement” decision, the mood is tense.

Supporters are questioning how Wilson fits into a project supposedly focused on youth, pace, and long-term planning. Others are sceptical about the framing of Potter’s approval, suggesting the manager may be playing along to avoid a bigger battle with the board.

Still, a few have taken a more measured view, pointing out that Wilson could be useful in short bursts off the bench if managed right, and if his contract truly reflects the risk.

Where Things Stand

West Ham have not officially announced a deal yet, but the growing noise suggests Wilson’s arrival is edging closer. Whether Potter is quietly compromising or genuinely backing the plan with conditions, it is clear the move is happening on very specific terms.

With trust in the board already fragile and a fanbase on edge, the club’s next moves, both on and off the pitch, will be under heavy scrutiny.

In other news, the Irons look set to hold onto two key players, with Edson Alvarez and Nayef Aguerd now expected to stay at the club despite earlier speculation. Read the full update here.