Nottingham Forest set to sign Newcastle striker Chris Wood on loan
Nottingham Forest have agreed to a deal with Newcastle United to sign 31-year-old striker Chris Wood on loan for the remainder of the season. The deal includes an obligation for Forest to buy Wood for around £15 million if certain conditions are met, which likely include Forest avoiding relegation.
Wood is traveling to Nottingham today to complete his medical and finalize personal terms.
Wood joined Newcastle from Burnley in January 2022 after they activated his £25 million release clause, and he was vital in ensuring they stayed up. However, Wood’s role has diminished this season. He has only started four Premier League games this season, and mostly comes off the bench for Callum Wilson. Alexander Isak’s return to fitness means he likely would’ve moved further down the pecking order.
Wood has scored 59 goals in 189 appearances in the Premier League, and brings valuable experience to Forest. He also offers a fantastic outlet up front and links play effectively with other forwards.
His signing is especially important after it was announced that Taiwo Awoniyi will be out for the next seven to eight weeks after picking up a groin injury. Awoniyi is Forest’s joint top goal scorer in the Premier League this season. They also lost goalkeeper Dean Henderson for a month and are reportedly considering a bonkers move for multi-time Champions League winning goalkeeper Keylor Navas to replace him.
Nottingham Forest have been surprisingly good this season, and find themselves in 13th, five points clear of the relegation spots. They signed a British record 22 players last summer, and despite initial struggles, have started to pick up form as the new players gel. Only three of the seven Vendetta writers picked them to go down, and they’re currently on track to stay up.
Forest’s defense has been fantastic, keeping six clean sheets which is fifth highest in the league. However, they have struggled to score goals, only scoring 15 in the league which is the second fewest.
Chris Wood was signed to fix their goalscoring woes, and it remains to be seen if it’ll work.
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