West Ham United have performed a dramatic January transfer U-turn, deciding to retain striker Callum Wilson for their Premier League survival fight, a move that directly impacts the plans of Celtic and Crystal Palace.
Late Winner Triggers Change of Heart
The pivotal moment came on Saturday, 19th January 2026, when the 33-year-old forward emerged as an unlikely hero. Coming off the bench in injury time against Tottenham Hotspur, Wilson reacted quickest to an Ollie Scarles corner to score a dramatic 93rd-minute winner, securing a vital 2-1 victory for Nuno Espirito Santo's side.
That goal, his fifth in the league this season, appears to have fundamentally altered his immediate future. Prior to the match, widespread reports indicated Wilson was likely to leave the London Stadium this month, having struggled for regular minutes following the summer arrivals of Taty Castellanos and Pablo.
Sullivan Steps In, Ending Exit Talks
However, trusted insider Ex WHU Employee now reports that co-owner David Sullivan has personally intervened. Sullivan has informed manager Nuno Espirito Santo that Wilson must remain part of the squad as the Hammers battle to avoid relegation.
This decision deals a significant blow to the transfer plans of other clubs. talkSPORT confirmed that both Celtic and Crystal Palace were monitoring the situation closely, ready to swoop if the experienced striker became available. Interest had also emerged from the Saudi Pro League, with Al Ettifaq and Al Shabab linked.
Player and Manager React to Decision
Speaking after his match-winning contribution, Wilson hinted at a desire to stay and help the cause. "There’s no better feeling than scoring a last-minute winner!" he said. "I think that’s the experience – I know where the goal is, and thankfully it paid off today. We definitely want to build now... we just need to keep doing what we’re doing, and hopefully we can start climbing that league."
Manager Nuno, when questioned about the player's future, offered a telling response. "I don’t have to say anything to Callum. He knows he has so much. I’m so happy for him. He gave us the winning goal, he means a lot," said the Portuguese coach. He added, "Every player that is in the building, it’s up to us to count on them, support them, and they need to help us. They need to help the club."
Wilson, who joined West Ham on a free transfer after leaving Newcastle United last summer, is now set to see out the remainder of the campaign in East London, his late heroics having rewritten the script of his season.
