Chris Wood may not be the most glamourous name in the Premier League, but he has enjoyed a successful career in the top flight since signing for Burnley from Leeds United in 2017. The striker recently completed a loan move to Nottingham City from Newcastle United, which has an “obligation to buy” clause if certain factors are met.
With Newcastle on the up and looking for world-class targets with their newfound wealth, it’s unlikely that Wood will ever have a role to play at St James’ Park in the future. It seems that Forest could be the perfect club for Wood to spend the last few years of his career so he can end on a high.
Wood Has Had an Incredible Impact on the Sport in New Zealand
Throughout his career, Wood has done a great deal to boost the popularity of soccer in New Zealand. His journey to the top of the game can inspire other talented prospects from the country and fuel them with the belief that it’s possible.
Wood’s talent is undoubted as he was scouted by English experts when he was plying his trade for Waikato FC. After showcasing his skills for the Kiwi club, Wood signed a contract with West Bromwich Albion in 2008. The New Zealander was an incredible grafter while he was developing as a player and went out on six different loan moves between 2010 and 2013.
Wood’s journey to being one of the most reliable forwards in the Premier League took more than a decade, but he proved that it was possible for a Kiwi to make the grade. He has been playing for his nation almost all that time as well, with 70 showings for New Zealand since 2009.
Aside from players like Wood and his great success, there are other ways that soccer is being boosted in New Zealand. With live streaming and greater accessibility of platforms, it’s easier than ever to watch international games. There’s also a sprawling betting industry in the country, and this allows non-fans to have a stake in the matches.
Wood’s Nottingham Forest are at odds of 5/2 to be relegated this season as of late February, and some bettors from his home country may be tempted to stake on the striker keeping his side up. There are plenty of sports betting sites offering welcome bonuses to players who wager with them, such as the $100 matched bet from BetVictor.
Breakout Season at Leeds Earned Big-Money Move
Things could have turned out a lot differently for Wood if he hadn’t had the season of his life for Leeds United in the 2016-17 Championship campaign under Garry Monk. The previous season, Wood bagged 13 goals and four assists in 36 games. This wasn’t a bad return, but it was nowhere near good enough for an aspiring striker in English soccer’s second tier.
In 2016-17, though, Wood became one of the hottest attackers in the division. He scored 27 goals and assisted four in 44 appearances, with incredible consistency throughout the season. What made that more impressive was the fact that Leeds were not among the promotion contenders, and they didn’t even make the playoffs. That season was the turning point of Wood’s career, and it earned him a big-money £15 million move to Burnley in the Premier League.
Wood spent five years at Turf Moor and scored 49 goals in 144 appearances. The 31-year-old’s work often went unnoticed, but he played a huge role in keeping the club in the top flight over that period. It’s testament to Wood’s influence that after he was sold to Newcastle United in January of 2022, Burnley were relegated a few months later.
Wood Could Be Prolific for Forest
Wood was one of the first purchases for Newcastle after they got their cash injection from the new Saudi Arabian owners. He fetched a whopping fee of £25 million, highlighting the value of his experience in the Premier League. Teams know that they need a player who can get in the right positions. Wood’s mold as the traditional number nine also makes him a great option in the latest stages of games.
Unfortunately for Wood, Newcastle are now shopping in much more talented pools and working on building a squad capable of regularly challenging for the Champions League spots. This is slightly out of the New Zealander’s league, and he recently found himself behind Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak in Eddie Howe’s pecking order.
The loan move to Forest made a lot of sense both for Wood and his new team. Steve Cooper’s side were lacking proven top-flight goalscorers so Wood’s addition brings a lot more potency to the attack. There’s a vast array of talent at the City Ground now, meaning that there will be plenty of chances for Wood to get on the end of.
With Wood looking set to sign for Forest permanently in the summer, it could be an excellent place for the player to spend the last few years of his career. In the right system, he’s the kind of striker who can guarantee at least ten goals a season. Forest looks like a good fit for Wood, and he could add a lot to his tally over the next few years.