Journalist Jordan Cronin has claimed that January signing Chris Wood won’t be sold by Newcastle United next month.
Wood was an expensive signing at the start of 2022 when Newcastle activated his £25m release clause from then-fellow relegation strugglers Burnley, despite the striker having only scored three goals prior to the move.
It’s safe to say that the New Zealand international hasn’t lived up to his transfer fee, as he has only managed to score four goals across all competitions, while he has now been linked with a return to Leeds United.
However, Cronin has admitted on the Loaded Mag YouTube channel that he can’t see Wood leaving despite recent reports linking him with a move away.
He said: “I don’t think Chris Wood will be going anywhere, to be honest. I don’t think many players will be leaving in January. It’s speculation, obviously, it’s a report that’s come outside of the north-east press pack, it’s a report that’s come from elsewhere and from what I’ve been told, I don’t think Chris Wood is going anywhere.”
Should Newcastle sell Chris Wood in January?
Yes!
No!
TIF Thoughts on Chris Wood…
It probably wouldn’t be a surprise to many people if Wood did depart for regular first-team football after just 12 months with the Magpies, but given the lack of reliable options Eddie Howe has in the striker position, we think it looks unlikely.
This is because since Wood joined the Magpies back in January, he’s only ever missed one matchday squad across all competitions, so he has been able to keep himself fit and healthy – which can’t be said for Callum Wilson or Alexander Isak, who have both been out for prolonged periods of time this campaign.
Therefore, it would make sense for Howe to keep Wood around the dressing room until at least next summer, especially given that he’s put in reliable, if not amazing, performances for the Magpies, such as his 7/10 display last season against Brighton & Hove Albion, which saw Cronin label him as ‘exceptional‘.