Flying Kiwis.
Despite all the chat about Chris Wood being a stopgap option when he first signed – and even if he was then he did his job brilliantly given Newcastle’s sudden reversal in form when he arrived from relegation worriers to mid-table freedom – we’re yet to see a big money striker arrive at the club to replace him.
There is obviously still Callum Wilson who is ahead of Wood in the pecking order but there’s every chance those two could operate really successfully as a duo.
Frenchman Hugo Ekitike was strongly linked with Newcastle in January and they’ve since had a bid accepted by Reims... but Ekitike instead chose to move to PSG despite them putting in a smaller bid. Still several weeks left to go though right now it’s Wilson and Wood still leading the way. Newcastle’s signings this window have all been defensive so far: Sven Botman (CB), Nick Pope (GK – Wood’s old Burnley bud), and Matt Targett (LB – whose loan was made permanent).
Callum Wilson missed the majority of last season due to injury. Still finished top scorer at the club but his absences are not uncommon and even in preseason they’ve been limiting his involvement when things get too heavy. Chris Wood is still gonna get plenty of opportunities this term. Especially if they don’t sign anyone else in his position.
Eddie Howe:
“No one has ever doubted Callum’s ability. He is an outstanding striker, and he showed that coming back from a long injury and performing well at the end of the season. I would love him to have an injury-free campaign. Chris Wood did very well for the team last year and he is still with us and has trained very well. We have others who can fill that role so we are not one dimensional. (Allan) Saint-Maximin has played there, Joelinton too. And also we have the transfer market still as an active thing for us.”
Up Next: Plenty more friendlies, though the first Premier League game of the season is August 7 at home to Nottingham Forest (NZT)