Eddie Howe has identified four key traits that new signing Chris Wood will bring to Newcastle United, after the Toon announced the striker’s arrival. His signing means he will be eligible to play against Watford on Saturday.
Wood, 30, has joined the club for a fee worth £25million – after Newcastle activated a clause in his Burnley contract. Wood had entered the final 18 months of his contract at Burnley – and will join Newcastle until June 2024.
While the New Zealand ace has only netted three Premier League goals this season, Wood has got an impressive 50 goals in 153 outings in England’s top tier. That is one of the main reasons why Newcastle have signed him.
Another, being it dramatically weakens Sean Dyche’s Burnley – a direct relegation rival. Speaking about Wood, Howe says he will bring physicality, character, Premier League experience – and a real attacking threat.
“He is a very dangerous attacking threat, has a physicality and character that I really like, and he has vast experience in the Premier League. He will be a great fit for us,” Howe told the club’s official website.
Howe on Wood: Striker could be the difference in Newcastle fight
Wood is a brilliant signing. There has been talk of bringing unproven strikers in the Premier League to the club – the likes of Darwin Nunez, Patrik Schick and Moussa Dembele. But they would need time to adapt.
While they may be better signings in the long run, Newcastle need instant impact. They need a striker to hit the ground running and there are little better on the market than the experienced Wood.
A goal in every three during his spells at Burnley and Leicester, given when playing for both sides – they have been towards the bottom of the table. Also weakening Burnley, it is a brilliant bit of business.
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