Sold by Howe: Newcastle flop who looked “lost” at SJP is now on par with Alexander Isak

Newcastle United aim to secure a spot in the FA Cup’s fifth round as they prepare to face Birmingham City in the Midlands. Eddie Howe’s side is also set for a thrilling Carabao Cup final clash against Liverpool at Wembley in March, marking an exhilarating climax to the 2024/25 campaign.

Despite a slow start to the season following a disappointing summer transfer window, the Magpies have found momentum and are now within reach of European qualification and domestic silverware.

Central to this resurgence is Alexander Isak, whose impact on the squad has been nothing short of remarkable.

Alan Shearer has repeatedly sung Isak’s praises, hailing him as a “world-class assassin” and one of the Premier League’s finest finishers.

The Swedish striker’s influence extends beyond goals and assists, exemplified by his commanding display in Newcastle’s two-legged triumph over Arsenal to book their place in the Carabao Cup final.

Even without scoring or assisting in the second leg, Isak’s all-around performance won him widespread acclaim from fans and pundits alike. His presence in the squad has given Newcastle a cutting edge in attack, ensuring they remain a formidable force as the season reaches its climax.

Newcastle’s attacking blueprint might have looked different had Chris Wood lived up to expectations during his time on Tyneside. Signed in January 2022 for £25 million, Wood was brought in to bolster the forward line as Newcastle battled relegation.

While other key signings like Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn, and Bruno Guimarães made an instant impact, Wood struggled to replicate his goal-scoring form from Burnley.

Pundit Tam McManus described him as looking “a bit lost” in Newcastle’s system, failing to integrate into Howe’s tactical setup. Though he had previously been a reliable scorer in the Premier League, Wood managed just five goals in 39 appearances for the Magpies before being offloaded to Nottingham Forest for £15 million—a move that, in hindsight, has proved beneficial for both parties.

Since arriving at Forest, Wood has rediscovered his goal-scoring touch, netting 33 goals in 67 games. Last season, his 14-goal haul was crucial in helping the club avoid relegation, and his performances in the current campaign have been even more impressive.

Currently tied with Isak in the Premier League goal charts, Wood has emerged as a key figure in Nuno Espírito Santo’s attacking setup. His recent hat-trick in Forest’s 7-0 demolition of Brighton further underscores his potency in front of goal.

The table below illustrates the top scorers in the Premier League this season, highlighting Wood’s unexpected resurgence:

Wood’s goal-scoring versatility has been a major asset for Forest, with a balanced mix of nine goals from his right foot, six from headers, and two from his left. His ability to finish in multiple ways makes him an ideal focal point in Nuno’s attacking system.

Statistically, he ranks among the top 10% of centre-forwards in Europe’s top five leagues for goals per 90 minutes, further validating Newcastle’s initial decision to sign him. However, he ultimately did not fit Howe’s dynamic, high-intensity approach.

Newcastle’s current striker situation raises some intriguing questions about how Wood might have fared if given more time. Callum Wilson has been sidelined for much of the season with injuries, while 21-year-old William Osula, a £15 million signing from Sheffield United, has yet to make a Premier League start.

With Isak in exceptional form, Newcastle have no regrets about parting ways with Wood, but they did absorb a £10 million loss in transfer fees while paying him £80,000 per week during his brief spell at the club.

Ultimately, Newcastle’s new era under PIF was bound to include a few transfer missteps. However, the overall strategy has been a success, with key acquisitions like Isak, Trippier, and Guimarães helping transform the club into genuine contenders. While Wood didn’t fit the project, his resurgence at Forest proves he remains a top-class striker when utilized correctly.