There is no financial reason why Callum Wilson is not playing games for West Ham, according to inside source ExWHUEmployee.

Rumours have been circulating that the former Newcastle United striker’s lack of minutes was due to the fact that it would cost the club a significant amount of money every time he makes an appearance. However, writing on The West Ham Way Patreon (quotes via their website), Ex said:

“West Ham have denied that Callum Wilson is not being picked because he has a very high appearance fee.”

The news will leave supporters even more perplexed as to why Wilson is not starting, despite there being no other fit senior strikers in the first-team squad.

Nuno is clearly not a fan of the West Ham forward

Since the appointment of Nuno Espirito Santo as head coach, Wilson has not stepped foot onto the pitch, having been an unused substitute during the draw against Everton, and the defeats to Arsenal and Brentford.

The fact that academy player Callum Marshall has come as a substitute instead of Wilson in the last two fixtures does suggest that Nuno simply doesn’t rate the 33-year-old.

Bowen could be set to lead the line

With Niclas Fullkrug set to remain on the treatment table for an undefined period with a thigh injury, it may be the case that Nuno will opt to play captain Jarrod Bowen through the middle.

The Irons boss went with a front three of Crysencio Summerville, Bowen and Lucas Paqueta as the false nine against Brentford, but the Brazilian was very ineffective in that role.

If Wilson isn’t selected, the alternatives would be to start the inexperienced Marshall or pick Bowen. The latter option seems the most sensible of the two. We shall see how West Ham line up against Leeds at Elland Road on Friday evening.

Read more about the West Ham First Team Squad for 2025/26 here