Newcastle United seal first summer transfer - £15m deal ‘activated’

Chris Wood’s move to Nottingham Forest is set to be made permanent after an obligation-to-buy clause was triggered.

The New Zealand international joined Steve Cooper’s side on loan during the January transfer window, and according to The Times, his stay will now be made permanent after his third start at Fulham last weekend met the performance-related criteria.

Howe did not plan to lose Wood, who had played in all but one of the Magpies’ matches in 2022-23 before his exit, last month - but respected the striker’s wishes.

“He’s been a huge player for us, outstanding in every way,” Howe explained. “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.

“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 the City Ground, the 31-year-old said recently: “It’s good, it’s different, it’s a change.

“Coming to a new club, a new city, it’s 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.

“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.

“So it was extremely tough to leave, especially where they are in the final of the Carabao Cup and the chance to be involved in that would have been huge. But I needed to look at myself and my game, and where I wanted to see myself in order to play football as long as possible.

“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.

“There’s some great players here and yes, I’m looking long-term and hoping this loan move will turn into a permanent and with any luck it should do. It will be interesting to see where it goes.”