![BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - AUGUST 29: Callum Wilson of Bournemouth celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Barclays Premier League match between A.F.C. Bournemouth and Leicester City at Vitality Stadium on August 29, 2015 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)](jpg/485702606-a-f-c-bournemouth-v-leicester-city-premier-league-850x560.jpg)
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - AUGUST 29: Callum Wilson of Bournemouth celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Barclays Premier League match between A.F.C. Bournemouth and Leicester City at Vitality Stadium on August 29, 2015 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Callum Wilson would be solid cover for Harry Kane at Tottenham
00Callum Wilson would be a solid, but not spectacular signing by Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham’s never-ending search to purchase cover for Harry Kane has uncovered a new Premier League target this week. Spurs are reportedly mulling over a bid for Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson. Signing the Cherries’ front man would represent good business for Spurs, but wouldn’t be the type of move that would put them over the top for a Premier League title.
The Sun are reporting that both Tottenham and West Ham are watching Wilson closely to see how he looks after missing eight months with a knee injury. He made his return in Bournemouth’s most recent match against Aston Villa, but only logged a few minutes after coming on as a second half substitute.
It’s easy to forget that back in September, Wilson was the talk of the Premier League after exploding for five goals in his first seven Premier League appearances. West Ham fans will certainly remember his hat trick against the Hammers before his unfortunate knee injury.
While no one expected him to score at that absurd rate in the Premier League, he did have a reputation as a prolific scorer in the Championship. His 20 goal, seven assist contribution last season was a big reason that Bournemouth even found themselves in the Premier League to start the 2015/16 year.
Wilson is a rather interesting option for Tottenham. He might be the best example of a “feast or famine” striker with legitimate Premier League experience. Even in the midst of his torrid start to this season, his form showed an astounding amount of fluctuation. Through just a seven game stretch, Wilson’s Whoscored.com match ratings ranged from a 5.89 in an opening day loss to Aston Villa to a 9.68 in the aforementioned clash with West Ham.
Now some of that inconsistency might disappear as he matures and becomes more acclimated to life in the Premier League, but it’s unlikely to vanish altogether. Chances are, he’s always going to be that sort of boon or bust striker. That makes him an appealing option for Tottenham, but not necessarily a superlative potential signing.
Prior to this season, Spurs fans would have justifiably been excited by the prospect of signing a talented striker like Wilson. After manager Mauricio Pochettino’s renaissance this season, Tottenham supporters are looking to add players who can help them win Champions League matches. It’s questionable whether or not Wilson has the quality to really put in that kind of shift at White Hart Lane.
Even so, Spurs need to find someone who can spell Harry Kane in the Premier League, and if Wilson regains full fitness then he can definitely fill that role for Pochettino. Callum Wilson would be a solid signing for Tottenham in the absence of a world-class purchase.