As the 2025-26 Premier League season looms, West Ham's acquisition of veteran striker Callum Wilson has sparked intrigue among fans eager to see how the 33-year-old will fare in claret and blue. Signed on a one-year, incentive-based contract, Wilson brings a wealth of Premier League experience and a proven goal-scoring pedigree. But with his injury history and a likely rotational role under manager Graham Potter, we asked AI how many goals can West Ham expect from their new striker.
A Proven Premier League Predator
Callum Wilson has long been a reliable goal-scorer in England’s top flight. With 88 goals in 239 Premier League appearances, he boasts an impressive career average of 0.54 goals per 90 minutes, roughly a goal every 185 minutes. His standout season came in 2022-23 with Newcastle United, where he netted 18 goals in 31 appearances, showcasing his clinical finishing. His shot conversion rate of 23.7% ranks among the league’s elite, comparable to stars like Alexander Isak.
Wilson also has a remarkable record against West Ham, scoring 12 goals in 16 Premier League matches, including a hat-trick for Bournemouth in 2015. This history suggests he thrives in certain matchups, but the question remains whether he can replicate that form for the Hammers, especially at 33 (turning 34 in February 2026).
The Injury Cloud
Wilson’s career has been plagued by injuries, missing 114 games during his five-year stint at Newcastle due to recurring calf, hamstring, and back issues. In the 2024-25 season, he failed to score in 18 Premier League appearances, starting just two matches, as injuries and limited minutes under Eddie Howe curtailed his impact. His injury-prone nature raises concerns about his durability for the grueling 2025-26 campaign, particularly as he competes for a starting spot.
Projecting Wilson’s Goal Tally
Predicting Wilson’s goal output for the 2025-26 Premier League season, which kicks off on August 15, 2025, requires balancing his proven ability with the realities of his age, fitness, and role. Here are both scenarios:
- Optimistic Scenario: If Wilson stays fit and secures a regular starting role (25-30 matches), his career scoring rate suggests he could bag 10-15 goals in the Premier League. This assumes he meshes well with Potter’s system and capitalizes on West Ham’s attacking setup.
- Realistic Scenario: More likely, Wilson will start 15-20 matches with additional substitute appearances, totaling around 1,500-2,000 minutes (equivalent to 16-22 full games). At his historical rate of 0.54 goals per 90 minutes, this projects to 6-10 goals in the Premier League, with the potential for a few more in cup competitions like the FA Cup or EFL Cup.
