Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson signing a new contract will be a ‘coup’ for Eddie Howe, according to Sky Sports pundit Alex McLeish.

The Lowdown: Newcastle tie down Wilson

The 30-year-old arrived at St. James’ Park when he made the move from Premier League rivals Bournemouth in 2020, and has made a real impact during his time in the northeast.

The Athletic’s David Ornstein recently reported that the veteran has put pen to paper on a new initial two-year deal with the Magpies as a reward for his efforts both on and off the pitch, though the club are yet to make an official announcement.

The Latest: McLeish’s praise for Wilson

Speaking to Football Insider, McLeish was full of praise for Wilson and insisted that it’s no surprise to see him extending his stay with Newcastle. He said:

“Wilson has been a thorn in the side of many Premier League defenders over the years.

“He has had a couple of injuries recently and that has been a blow for Newcastle but when you see that guy on the pitch, the goalscoring opportunities he gets himself into, you know you have a top player there.

“I was going to say it’s a coup for Newcastle. But the coup was the new owners coming in and backing Eddie Howe and giving the club the money to make deals like this and push the team higher up the table.

“They can now keep a player who has been Mr. Consistent for them in terms of his goal return. Teaching those younger players will come in time, although I bet he is already doing some of that.”

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The Verdict: Correct decision

Whilst Wilson is known to be injury prone, making the decision to offer him a new contract will surely have been a no-brainer.

The ‘sublime’ forward, as hailed by sports journalist Josh Bunting, has netted 23 goals and provided six assists in 51 appearances for the black and white stripes, an impressive return in the final third (Transfermarkt).

The Magpies do now have Alexander Isak, though Wilson is a great character to have in the building and still more than has the ability to influence a game.