Rio Ferdinand praised Newcastle United for the ‘huge move’ they made in signing Chris Wood from Burnley, as he told Vibe with FIVE.
The former centre-back thinks it’s also ‘true’ that if Steve Bruce had signed Wood for Newcastle then there would have been uproar.
In truth, it has to be questioned, would Mike Ashley have put such money on the table to sign a player like Wood? Probably not.
So, from that perspective, that argument that is being bandied about is not worth making.
Nonetheless, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) group did put the money on the table and Wood made his debut during Newcastle’s 1-1 draw against Watford at the weekend.
Whilst there was a lot of talk around the club’s call to push for a player with only three goals this season, Ferdinand liked the road they went down.
“Massive,” said Ferdinand. “I think that strategically, from Newcastle’s point of view, a huge move.
“They are taking the main goal threat, the main problem caused for Burnley and putting him in their squad.
“That’s a lot of money. That’s true (on Newcastle fans would have been angry if Bruce signed him).”
Even if Wood gets off to a slow start for Newcastle or struggles altogether, he hasn’t been purchased to dethrone Callum Wilson from the XI, but to add depth behind the main man.
Plus, this signing has made Burnley weaker going forward and it will be interesting to see how they react to Wood’s departure.
There is talk that a certain Andy Carroll is being lined up to replace Wood at Turf Moor and if that happens, then it will be some story.
Newcastle and Burnley lock horns on the final day of the season at Turf Moor and it’s going to be one hell of a battle if both are still trying to survive.
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