Callum Wilson is officially a West Ham player. The club confirmed the striker’s arrival on a one-year deal following his release from Newcastle United.

It’s a move that’s been rumoured for weeks, and now it’s done, although not without a bit of tension among the fanbase.

The 32-year-old joins with plenty of top-flight experience, but there’s a bit of history here too. From previous snubs to cheeky digs about the Hammers on his podcast, this transfer has sparked mixed reactions.

Callum Wilson’s Career So Far

Wilson’s record in the Premier League speaks for itself. With 239 appearances and 111 direct goal involvements, he’s proven he can deliver. He broke through at Coventry City, climbed the ranks at Bournemouth, and then became a regular scorer at Newcastle.

His 18-goal haul in the 2022 to 2023 season was the standout, helping Newcastle push into the Champions League places. He’s also got nine England caps to his name, along with a goal on his international debut.

But Hammers fans haven’t forgotten his decision to join Newcastle over West Ham back in 2020, and that’s part of the backdrop here.

Past Digs at West Ham Stir Mixed Reaction Among Supporters

This signing hasn’t exactly brought universal joy in east London. Wilson’s been known to poke fun at the Irons during his appearances on the Footballer’s Football Podcast, co-hosted with Michail Antonio.

At one point, he even joked about West Ham’s Conference League triumph. While he later clarified his issue was just with Antonio, saying, “It’s only Michail I don’t like, not the West Ham fans,” that hasn’t stopped supporters feeling a certain type of way.

The jokes, the sly digs, the perception that we’re a fallback after he turned us down before… it’s left a sour taste for some.

Potter’s View on Callum Wilson

Despite the fan debate, Graham Potter is confident Wilson will be a key addition. In comments to the club’s media, the head coach called him “a proven, experienced Premier League striker” and highlighted his “great work ethic” and “fantastic goalscoring record.”

Potter also pointed to Wilson’s leadership qualities, saying he’ll be a strong influence on younger attackers in the squad. For a team that lacked cutting edge at times last season, Wilson’s arrival brings something different and potentially vital.

The Fit at West Ham: Where Wilson Could Make His Impact

With Niclas Füllkrug already in the squad, Wilson may not be an automatic starter every week, but his knack for goals and Premier League nous could prove valuable, especially off the bench or during injuries.

Let’s not forget: in just his third top-flight appearance, Wilson scored a hat-trick at Upton Park. Ten years later, he returns to east London, this time wearing claret and blue.

A Divisive Signing, but Time to Back Him

It’s fair to say this move has split opinion. Not everyone wanted him, and some still don’t. But now that he’s through the door, he’ll need the backing.

Wilson becomes the club’s third summer signing after El Hadji Malick Diouf and Kyle Walker-Peters. Whether he proves people wrong or not, he’s got a point to prove, and he knows it.

If he starts banging them in, all will be forgiven pretty quickly. But it’s on him now to let his football do the talking.