For the longest time, it looked like Kalvin Phillips would be the first Newcastle transfer of 2024. However, it didn't turn out to be the case after Eddie Howe pulled out of the race, following unsuccessful negotiations with Man City and being unable to find a middle ground. Now, the Englishman will join West Ham, which Callum Wilson has spoken about.
For those who don't know and have been living under a rock, Callum Wilson hosts a podcast with his good friend Michail Antonio from West Ham. Thinking about the connection between Newcastle and West Ham, the signing of Kalvin Phillips was obviously going to pop up in conversation, and so it did.
Callum Wilson speaks on Kalvin Phillips as his one Newcastle transfer regret
Speaking on the Footballer's Football Podcast, Wilson had the following to say: "“Kalvin Phillips has joined you . Top quality player and someone who would have been welcomed to our squad with open arms.”
This is a side to transfer speculation which people can often forget about: The players. After all, players are humans too and while they work for a club, they may not necessarily understand the ins and outs when it comes to new signings. As far as Wilson would've been aware, he may have hoped for Newcastle to bring in Phillips.
As a fellow England international, Wilson has worked with Phillips before so he knows all there is to know about not only his playing style, but what he's like off the pitch. Certainly, he would've been a welcomed addition at St James Park and our club ethos would suggest he would fit in with the rest of the squad and they'd get on like a house on fire. Unfortunately, though, it wasn't to be in the end.
What do you make of today's Newcastle transfer news?