Newcastle United is, in the upcoming days, expected to announce the arrival of striker Chris Wood from Burnley. The 30-year-old New Zealand International arrives from fellow relegation rivals Burnley via what’s believed to be Newcastle United meeting his release clause of 25 million pounds.
While the financial sense of signing a mid-tier 30-year-old forward at 25 million is probably up for debate — it’s a move that simultaneously strengthens Newcastle in a department where they’re struggling with injuries.
It also weakens their direct relegation rivals and would likely comfortably pay itself back if it plays a part in their Premier League survival notwithstanding that they’re now the richest club in world football.
Chris Wood – A good signing?
The signing of Chris Wood shows that despite their abundant riches, Newcastle United currently seem to be finding it difficult to attract top talent. A look into the data over the last 365 days for Wood shows a striker producing an npxG of 0.33 and a non-penalty goal output in line with that at 0.32 per 90.
He doesn’t stand out in his creativity, shot-creating actions or progressive ball-carrying but his ability to win aerial duels ranks in a very high percentile compared to other forwards — a strength to his game suited to a battling Premier League club style and could be further harnessed given the quality of deliveries from Kieran Trippier, Ryan Fraser and Jonjo Shelvey.
Chris Wood will finalise a £25m switch to #NUFC after undergoing a medical before completing a move from Burnley.
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 12, 2022
It might also allow a more direct style of football with the mercurial Saint-Maximin playing off the more physical center forward. His goal production alone doesn’t seem like it’ll be enough to push this Newcastle side towards safety but he could be a reliable source of a modest goal tally and a foil for a more direct playing approach.