admin“I reject Saudi Arabia to join West Ham because…..”- Callum Wilson reveals his main ‘motivation’ to join West Ham after snubbing Saudi Arabia
Callum Wilson turned down a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia and has now opened up on why he chose West Ham instead.
The striker joined the Hammers on a free transfer after his Newcastle United contract expired, and the 33-year-old’s performances since then have drawn mixed reactions.
He impressed in West Ham’s 3–2 victory over Burnley before the international break, but at times has looked like a forward approaching the later stages of his career.
Remarkably, West Ham were even rumoured to have offered Wilson a pay-as-you-play deal, which many believed explained why he didn’t start any of the first eight Premier League fixtures.
But after stepping into the No. 9 role while Niclas Fullkrug dealt with injury, Wilson has now revealed what convinced him to join the Hammers.
Wilson’s Premier League ambition
Ahead of West Ham’s weekend clash with Bournemouth, Wilson is set to return to the Vitality Stadium for the first time since leaving for Newcastle five years ago.
Had he chosen differently, he could have secured a huge paycheck in Saudi Arabia—but he rejected the idea of a late-career cash grab.
“I had a difficult few years with injuries, and then Alexander Isak hit great form, which left me playing second fiddle,” Wilson told the Daily Mail. “That’s not how I pictured my final years in the Premier League.
I’m a fighter. I didn’t want to just give up and take the easy route by moving abroad for a bit of money.”
Wilson is currently on 90 Premier League goals and says his real motivation is joining the division’s exclusive 100 Club.
“That’s my aim—getting into the 100 Club. Those are the elite players in this league,” he said. “Only 34 players have done it. That’s why I wanted to stay in the Premier League. That’s why I’m here at West Ham.”
Why West Ham wanted him
West Ham’s decision to sign Wilson raised some eyebrows, with many fans hoping for a younger striker. But the forward has been a long-time tormentor of the Hammers—something that may have influenced their pursuit.
Callum Wilson’s goal record vs Premier League clubs:
- 16 vs West Ham
- 8 vs Everton
- 8 vs Burnley
- 7 vs Huddersfield
- 6 vs Brighton
His 12 goals in 16 games against West Ham represent his best return against any single team—a notable feat given his injury struggles over the years.
This Saturday, Wilson has the chance to move one step closer to the 100 Club with a goal against Bournemouth.
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