New Zealand striker Chris Wood has joined Newcastle United for a reported fee of £20 million from Burnley.
The forward has signed a contract that will keep him at St James’ Park until the end of the 2023/24 season, after the Magpies activated his release clause.
Wood scored 50 Premier League goals during his five years at Turf Moor, and has 27 goals in his 60 international caps for the All-Whites.
He becomes Eddie Howe’s second January signing, after the arrival of England international Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid earlier this month.
The 30-year-old could make his debut as soon as Saturday afternoon, when Newcastle host Watford in their Premier League fixture.
“It’s an exciting move for him.”
The transfer has had its critics, as many fans may have expected a more high profile name to lead the Magpies’ attack following the club’s take over by a Saudi Arabian consortium.
However, Sky Sport New Zealand commentator Jason Pine believes Wood has earned his big money move and the opportunity to prove himself at a club with a bright future.
“Overall this is a great move for Chris Wood,” Pine exclusively tells Park Life Sport.
“He’s been exceptional for Burnley for quite some time now and his goals have been a large part of their success and ability to stay in the Premier League.
“Double-figure goals for the last four seasons – you have to be a very good player to chalk up statistics like that.”
Pine went on to explain that Newcastle’s business has been clever, and that Trippier’s addition will only improve the goal-scoring capabilities of Wood.
“If there’s one thing you get from Chris Wood, it’s 100% work ethic and that leads to getting into the right positions.
“If he gets the service, he’ll get goals, and the signing of Kieran Trippier by Newcastle is a really good sign and I know there’s real excitement about that Trippier-Wood partnership and how it might evolve from here.”
“If Wood scores goals that help Newcastle stay in the Premier League then he’ll become an instant cult hero with those on Tyneside.”
