Sky Sports journalist Pete Graves believes January signing Chris Wood’s future at Newcastle United is not guaranteed as the club could look to bring in another forward and therefore could see the Kiwi leave.
Newcastle United’s January business saw the likes of Wood, Bruno Guimaraes, Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn and Matt Targett transfer the club from a relegation-battling side to a team that pushed for the top 10 and were one of the best in the entire league during 2022.
However, one of the signings did not impress much during his first season playing in the north-east – that being former Burnley striker Wood, who arrived at the club for £27m amid an injury to Callum Wilson.
During this poor form, he has been criticised for his performances, which led to speculation around his status at the club, with former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie telling Football Insider: “He is struggling by the looks of things… he probably isn’t the player Newcastle were looking to sign when the takeover went through.”
Graves also gave his opinion on the matter in a recent interview, stating the club could look to send the player out on loan to abother Premier League club – but it all depends on what kind of business the Magpies do in the summer.
He said: “If they’ve managed to sign two strikers, do they loan him out for a year to another Premier League club who they don’t consider to be a rival? Or do they keep him there as an option? It’d be fascinating to see what happens, but I don’t think his future at St James’ Park next season will be guaranteed, depending on who they sign.”
TIF Thoughts on Graves’ comments…
At the time of the Wood signing, it did feel that rather than signing the striker for his ability and prowess in front of goal, it was more to take away Burnley’s biggest goal threat as Newcastle looked to be battling the Clarets for Premier League safety.
It ultimately turned out that Newcastle would not need to worry about their top-flight safety as they finished 11th come the end of the season. In the time Wood had at St Jamés’ Park, he only managed two goals in 17 appearances with only 1.4 shots, 0.5 key passes, and 0.2 dribbles per game, according to WhoScored.
Newcastle’s new ownership will surely be looking to bolster the squad and get in a new striker to accompany Wilson up top, which would mean Wood is either doomed for the bench or could find himself out on loan next season – and we believe either option would be better than starting him throughout the season.
Should Newcastle sell Chris Wood?Yes
No
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