Chris Wood has officially left Newcastle United to join Nottingham Forest on loan for the rest of the season.
The deal was confirmed on Friday afternoon, with the Magpies stating that Forest have an obligation to make the deal permanent in the summer.
Steve Cooper’s side will pay £15million for Wood at the end of the season, which represents a great piece of business from Dan Ashworth.
The 31-year-old cost £25million this time last year, and proved to be a valuable addition. He played a pivotal role in achieving survival last season, while he has been called upon more than anticipated during the current campaign.
Wood has played in all but two of Newcastle’s games this season, but his cameo off the bench against Fulham will be his final ever appearance in a Toon shirt. The New Zealander’s career at St James’ Park ends with five goals in 39 appearances.
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Newcastle players say goodbye as Chris Wood joins Nottingham Forest
His departure is sudden, and Wood has taken to his official Instagram account to deliver a message to his teammates, the coaching staff and the fans.
He wrote: “A short note to you all to say thank you to everyone at this special club, especially my teammates, the coaches and all of the support staff. You guys are amazing to work with. And of course, to the supporters – what incredible atmosphere you guys give the team, it really does lift everyone… I’ll be cheering along with you all for the rest of this season!!”
The message from Wood has received a wealth of replies from Newcastle players, who have rushed to say goodbye to the striker.
Bruno Guimaraes wrote: “Good luck my bro.”
Nick Pope wrote: “Leaving me twice in 12 months man. All the best big dogggg.”
There were also good luck messages from Joe Willock, Fabian Schar, Callum Wilson, Paul Dummett and Sven Botman.
Chris Wood will be remembered fondly by Toon fans
Wood was clearly a popular member of the dressing room, and it is a shame to see him leave so soon. However, his minutes may have been limited in the second half of the season due to Alexander Isak’s return to fitness.
The former Burnley man has made the best decision for his career, and will now do all he can to keep Forest in the Premier League, just like he did for Newcastle last year.
While the goals did not flow, Wood will be remembered fondly for his time on Tyneside. His work ethic epitomised the change in mood at the club over the past 12 months, and his performances have been a key factor in where we are today.
If we win silverware or qualify for Europe in the coming years, it will largely be down to the players who laid the foundation in the first year after the takeover. That includes Chris Wood, who was a needs must signing at the time, and delivered what was expected of him.
His Newcastle career is over, but hopefully we see him at St James’ Park in the future so he can receive the send off he deserves from the Toon Army.