Newcastle United £15m transfer confirmed by Premier League club after clause triggered

Newcastle United have banked £15million following Chris Wood’s permament move to Nottingham Forest.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Nottingham Forest have confirmed Chris Wood’s loan from Newcastle United has been made permanent.

The New Zealand international moved to the City Ground during the January transfer window, where the Magpies inserted an obligation to buy clause into the agreement.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It’s understood the £15million clause was triggered in February when Wood started his third game for Forest, which ended in a 2-0 defeat at Fulham but wasn’t confirmed by Forest until Friday when they announced their retained list.

The 31-year-old had featured in all but one of Newcastle’s matches before his departure. United head coach Eddie Howe did plan to lose Wood but respected the striker’s wishes.

Wood’s exit left Howe short in attack but he managed to get by after Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak stayed injury free to help seal a Premier League top four finish.

“He’s been a huge player for us, outstanding in every way,” Howe said on Wood. “When we signed him, we were in a very difficult league position. He played a huge part on the pitch to help transform the team.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“He’s been excellent, both on and off the pitch, in terms of his leadership and positivity even when he’s not played. You 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.”

Speaking about his decision to move to Forest, Wood said: “It’s good, it’s different, it’s a change.

“Coming to a new club, a new city, it always takes some time getting used to it and moving around, getting settled. It’s nice, a good bunch of lads, good coaching staff and to get a first taste of the City Ground and the fanbase was great at the weekend.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It was very tough [to leave Newcastle], it was a tough decision because of where the project is heading. The friendships I had grown with the players there, that dressing room is special, it’s progressing and becoming one of the best dressing rooms I’ve been part of.

“I wanted to play at the highest level as long as possible and coming here [to Forest] gave me a chance to do that. It was one of the biggest turning points. I am thinking long-term, I’ve seen the project they want to do. First I have to win over the fans, and get them to fall in love, which would be nice.”

Wood, like Jonjo Shelvey, has struggled to impress at Forest. The former Burnley striker scored one goal in seven games before missing the remaining 12 matches with a hamstring injury.