Chris Wood to Newcastle United: Magpies trigger striker’s release clause

Newcastle United is one of the most active and busiest clubs in the winter transfer window; as they look to secure Premier League survival.

Ever since the takeover, they have changed managers, backroom staff, and are now adding new players to a squad that lacks Premier League quality.

After securing the services of Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid, the Magpies are about to announce the signing of Burnley’s striker, Chris Wood, to bolster their attack.

According to reports, the St. James’ Park outfit has triggered the release clause of the soon-to-be-former Claret.

"Chris Wood will undergo a medical with Newcastle on Wednesday as the striker finalises personal terms for a £25m move from Burnley. Newcastle have triggered a release clause for Wood with a sizeable bid to secure a replacement for Callum Wilson, who has been ruled out with a calf injury for two months after Saturday’s shock FA Cup third-round defeat to Cambridge United(Via: Sky Sports)"

The player is currently undergoing a medical on the Tyneside, to finalize his deal. Though the Clarets did not want to sell their player because of the ongoing relegation battle, they were helpless with the Magpies triggering his release clause.

Eddie Howe desperately needed more firepower up front, as Callum Wilson is ruled for the next eight weeks because of a calf injury. Once they’ve signed Wood, Howe will turn his attention to securing the services of Huge Ekitike from the French outfit Reims.

Chris Wood’s season by numbers

The New Zealand international has blown hot and cold for Burnley in the 2021/22 season. In 17 top-flight appearances, he has just three goals to his name. However, the Premier League ready forward has remained pivotal to Burnley’s aspirations ever since his move from Leeds United.

Since he arrived back in 2017, he has scored a minimum of ten goals per season. In 2019/20, the 30-year-old striker had 14 goals to his name.

Burnley and Newcastle United lock horns on the last day of the season. As it stands, Magpies are in 19th place on the points table while Burnley sits just above them thanks to a better goal difference.

The transfer can have a final say come May.

Is Chris Wood the right choice for Newcastle United? Can Wood help the Toon Army survive the drop? Have your say below!