West Ham United have allowed Callum Wilson to leave for Brentford on a free transfer, the latest in a string of exits as David Moyes reshapes his squad for the new season. The striker, 34, joins Brentford after his contract expired at the London Stadium, ending a four-year spell with the Hammers that yielded 22 goals in 89 appearances.
What does Wilson’s exit mean for West Ham United?
Wilson’s departure leaves a gap in the Hammers’ striking options after they shipped 65 goals last season - a tally that contributed to their 18th-place finish in the Premier League with just 39 points. The club’s recent form of WLLLW underlined their defensive frailties, and Moyes will now need to address the void left by a player who averaged a goal every 207 minutes in all competitions. With the World Cup still running, the transfer window’s busiest period lies ahead, and the Hammers must act fast to avoid another sluggish start.
How does Wilson fit at Brentford?
Brentford have splashed £15.1m on Wilson, pairing him with Ivan Toney in attack as they aim to rebound from last season’s 13th-place finish. The Bees’ new signing arrives with Premier League experience and a knack for big-game goals, including a brace against Manchester United in 2023. Thomas Frank, the Brentford manager, will hope Wilson’s mobility and hold-up play add steel to a side that shipped 58 goals in 2025 - 17 fewer than West Ham.
What’s next for West Ham United’s summer?
Moyes has already overseen the exits of key figures like Pablo Fornals and Said Benrahma, while the club’s transfer activity has lagged behind rivals. Their only confirmed arrival so far is a free agent, and they sit 46 points adrift of Arsenal in the title race after last season’s struggles. With the window open since 1 June 2026 and the bulk of deals expected in August, the pressure is on to avoid another chaotic pre-season.
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 18th in Premier League, 39 pts, 10W-9D-19L from 38 games, recent form WLLLW.
