Number nines are still precious: Newcastle and Bournemouth seal new contracts for their goalscorers

In the days when positions in football are evolving and the old-fashioned centre-forward is a dying breed, two such players show that football will always appreciate natural-born goalscorers.

Newcastle United extended their number nine Callum Wilson's contract by another year to June 2025, and the guy who succeeded him at Bournemouth, Dominic Solanke, signed for another four years with the Cherries.

Wilson joined Newcastle from Bournemouth in September 2020 and has been a prolific goalscorer for the team, notching 40 goals in 79 league appearances, including two goals in four outings this season. The 31-year-old climbed to fifth place in the club's all-time Premier League goalscoring charts with his impressive record. If he scores eight more goals, he will move into second place, behind the iconic Alan Shearer.

"When I first joined the club, I had ambitions to come back to the Premier League, having been relegated with Bournemouth and over the first few interviews I mentioned Europe and getting to 100 Premier League goals. They were ambitions of mine and they still are. I'm close to get into the '100 Club' and also becoming the second all-time Premier League scorer for Newcastle would be an amazing achievement, having looked up to Shearer for many years. So many fantastic names have been before me at Newcastle - goalscorers who have worn the number nine - and it'd be nice to join them in the record books during my time here."

In addition to his club success, Wilson has also made an impact on the international stage, representing England and scoring twice for the national team, with his most recent goal coming in a match against Malta in June. His consistent performances and goalscoring ability make him a valuable asset for Newcastle United as they aim to achieve their goals in the Premier League.

Meanwhile, Solanke celebrated his 26th birthday by signing a new four-year contract with the Cherries. The forward has been a key player for Bournemouth since joining in January 2019, making 179 appearances in the club's colours. In the current Premier League season, Solanke has already scored twice and provided an assist in four games. He played a crucial role in helping Bournemouth regain their Premier League status in the 2021/22 season, scoring 29 goals and recording seven assists during the EFL Championship campaign.

AFC Bournemouth's Chief Executive, Neill Blake, expressed his delight following Solanke's contract extension. He stated that the striker had demonstrated his importance to the club through his performances and goals.

"We're thrilled to have someone with such calibre as Dom commit his future to the club, having already enjoyed many successful moments together. He's a player and a person we value extremely highly on and off the pitch and we're excited to continue working with him."

New tendencies in football dictate that goalkeepers should be adept at passing just like playmakers of yesterday. Defenders are required to carry the ball and distribute it forward, while wingers must defend as well as attack. As far as centre-forwards go, their job hasn't changed much. Get the ball, use your chance, stick the ball into the net. It sounds simple enough, but it's proving the hardest job in the game. That's why clubs want to hang on to their proven number nines!

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 5

Saturday

14.30: (7.00) Wolverhampton (4.50) Liverpool (1.45)

17.00: (1.95) Aston Villa (3.60) Crystal Palace (4.20)

17.00: (1.70) Fulham (3.80) Luton (5.60)

17.00: (2.25) Man.Utd. (3.70) Brighton (3.20)

17.00: (1.28) Tottenham (5.90) Sheffield Utd (9.50)

17.00: (6.75) West Ham (4.40) Man.City (1.53)

19.30: (1.55) Newcastle (4.30) Brentford (6.75)

Sunday

16.00: (4.60) Bournemouth (3.60) Chelsea (1.80)

18.30: (6.25) Everton (4.20) Arsenal (1.52)

Monday

21.45: (2.30) Nott.Forest (3.45) Burnley (3.30)

***odds are subject to change