On the surface, it seems like it is just a transfer: Newcastle needed a striker, Chris Wood had a £25million release clause and Burnley had an obligation to sell.
The reality of this deal, though, is deeper and far more wide-reaching. This is so much more than a transfer. This is something that could dramatically alter the futures of two clubs. In Burnley’s case, it could even have an impact on the people they employ and the town where they are based.
People have questioned why Newcastle have paid so much money for a striker, who became the most expensive player aged 30 or over in Premier League history, and would have been out of contract in 18 months. I certainly didn’t — it is a good signing and he is perfect for them in so many ways.
Newcastle showed a major sign of intent by pinching Burnley striker Chris Wood for £25m
Wood's goals have been crucial in the Clarets remaining in the Premier League over the years
Short-term he will not need to adjust to the demands of the Premier League. He would not have been the first striker Newcastle fans wanted to sign under their new owners but, if the worst happens and they are relegated, he will be the perfect man to lead them out of the Championship.
I do not see a promotion campaign being on Newcastle’s radar next year, though.
Why? They have brought in one of the top nine performing forwards in the Premier League over the last four years. Do not take my word for it — just look at the numbers.
From 2017-18 to the end of last season, the only players to get double-figure goal tallies in every campaign were Mohamed Salah, Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy, Sadio Mane, Raheem Sterling, Alexandre Lacazette, Son Heung-min, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang… and Chris Wood.
Only nine players have double figure goal tallies in four consecutive campaigns - one is Wood
When you consider he is the only player in that group not to appear in the Champions League, it gives his consistency an extra polish. He has scored 49 times in 144 Premier League appearances for Burnley and has created another seven goals. He is a huge reason why Sean Dyche’s side have established themselves in the top flight.
So Newcastle have improved their squad with quality but, just as importantly, they have significantly weakened one of their rivals. I have no doubt that Dyche will be raging about what has happened, in the same way that Arsene Wenger was in the late 2000s and early 2010s.
Back then, Manchester City bought four Arsenal players in quick succession — Kolo Toure, Emmanuel Adebayor, Gael Clichy and Samir Nasri — and also tried to sign Robin van Persie. When you strengthen at the expense of the team you want to overtake, your task becomes that much easier.
Equally, I know what it is like when an important player is taken from your team. City suffered in the season after we won the title when Nigel de Jong and Mario Balotelli joined AC Milan. When big characters leave, you cannot fail to see the gaps that remain.
Sean Dyche is right to be furious about the Clarets letting their key striker to go their rivals
I can imagine how it will be in Burnley’s dressing room. They will be absolutely devastated to see their focal point go and wondering what chance they
