Just four months ago, Newcastle United splashed out £25million to bolster their attacking ranks. Chris Wood arrived from Burnley to help the Magpies at their darkest hour, with Eddie Howe’s men two points adrift from safety despite playing one game more than 17th-placed Watford.
However, despite only 140 days passing since the Kiwi’s arrival, the thought of Newcastle splashing in excess of £25million on a striker seems unprecedented. ChronicleLive understands Toon chiefs are in “advanced talks” to sign Reims striker Hugo Ekitke. A deadline-day move for the 19-year-old broke down amid concerns over the Magpies’ precarious league position and the youngster’s unwillingness to leave his boyhood club.
The French wonderkid has enjoyed a stellar breakout season in Ligue 1. Despite playing in a side that finished 12th, Ekitike bagged 10 goals in his debut campaign as a first-team player. That tally would have been more had he not suffered a hamstring injury just weeks after a move to Newcastle fell through.
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Wood, on the other hand, has struggled since his big-money switch. Just one open-play goal from 17 outings means the New Zealand international has struggled to repay his inflated price tag.
He has not lacked endeavour, however, with Toon supporters acknowledging his tireless work rate up front. The resurgence under Howe coincided with Wood’s arrival and, to his credit, Newcastle boast a 60% win percentage with him in the starting line-up.
But ultimately, strikers are just on one statistic - goals.
Five top-flight goals in 2021-22 means it is hard to justify a prominent role for the 30-year-old next year. Howe called upon Callum Wilson at the first possible opportunity and another striker through the door would push Wood further down the pecking order.
Premier League rule changes could hand the target man a lifeline with the introduction of five substitutes. Wood won more aerial duels (205) than any other player in the division last season - a staggering 48 more than second-placed James Tarkowski. Having a battering ram on the bench gives Howe’s attacking options an added dynamic if Newcastle are chasing a late goal.
Should Newcastle persist with Wood, they will have an experienced Premier League striker in reserve. On the flip side, now could be the only time to cash if the new regime wish to recoup a chunk of the inflated £25million fee.
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