Chris Wood reveals why he joined Nottingham Forest after surprise Newcastle United exit

Chris Wood has left Newcastle United and joined fellow Premier League counterparters Nottingham Forest.

The 31-year-old moves to the City Ground on loan for the rest of the campaign but will join permanently in the summer for £15million - if certain conditions are met.

Wood is expected to trigger a permanent switch and has agreed a contract until 2024. He leaves the Magpies having scored five goals in 39 appearances.

“It’s a great feeling and I am very thankful to be here,” Wood told the Reds’ club website.

“Nottingham Forest is a massive club which I have come up against a number of times, but it’s nice now to be able to pull on the red shirt and fight for the club.

“You can see the transition over the past 18 months and it’s progressing in the right way. It’s a project that’s going in the right direction.

“It’s a club looking up rather than anything else, it’s going to take a lot of hard work, but it’s a squad that’s pulling together.

“I’ve been in this league a long time, so hopefully I’ll bring a lot of experience to try and help the younger lads out and bring everybody together.

“As a visiting player, it’s always been a hostile atmosphere at The City Ground. The crowd are loud and strong, so I’m thankful to have that passionate fanbase on my side now and I can’t wait to get playing there.”

Wood joined Newcastle from Burnley 12 months ago after the club activated his £25m release clause. He played in 15 of the 18 remaining fixtures last term to help the club retain its Premier League status.

The New Zealand international has featured in all but one of United’s top-flight fixtures in 2022-23, however just four of those were starts.

Following the return of Callum Wilson and club-record signing Alexander Isak’s return to fitness, Wood had fallen to third-choice striker.

Howe didn’t want to lose Wood this winter but respected the player’s wishes to pursue the move.

The Magpies head coach said: “He’s been a huge player for us. He has been outstanding in every way. When we signed him, we were in a very difficult league position and he played a huge part on the pitch to help transform the team.

“This season, he’s been excellent both on and off the pitch in terms of his leadership and positivity, even when he’s not played. We can’t underestimate the role he’s played.

“It was a difficult decision because you have to take into account the player and his wishes. But also, I think it’s a very good deal financially for the football club.”