Journalist Ben Jacobs has admitted that it could be possible for Newcastle United to let go of centre-forward Chris Wood this summer.
Speaking on NUFC Matters, Jacobs was discussing the latest surrounding Newcastle’s transfer plans.
Wood was only signed in January in a £25m deal from Burnley, but he has failed to provide goals consistently for The Toon, scoring just twice in 17 Premier League appearances, one of which was a penalty.
With Eddie Howe leading the club to an 11th-placed finish, ahead of his first full season at St James’ Park, Jacobs has stated that he wouldn’t put it past the club to part with the target man come the winter if the Magpies are flourishing.
Should Newcastle sell Chris Wood?
Yes
No
He said: “It’s a little bit harsh on someone that only joined in January, but it wouldn’t at all surprise me if next January, Chris Wood goes somewhere either on loan or is sold, because there’s a sort of acceptance if Newcastle are doing well that he’s not exactly what they’re looking for.”
TIF Thoughts on Wood leaving Newcastle…
With a move for 19-year-old French striker Hugo Ekitike edging closer, Wood could be nudged down to third in the pecking order with Callum Wilson also in the squad.
If the New Zealand international has been rendered surplus to requirements as the season progresses, he could well be let go by the north-east club.
However, given Wilson’s injury history and Ekitike recovering from a hamstring injury of his own that could trouble him again, it is likely that Wood will be called upon by Howe at some stage, so perhaps it will be worth him sticking around.