Transfer Centre

Nottingham Forest 'could be forced to sell Chris Wood in summer'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 13 April 2024

Nottingham Forest 'could be forced to sell Wood in summer'

Nottingham Forest could reportedly find themselves in a position where they need to sell Chris Wood during the summer transfer window.

Nottingham Forest may reportedly be required to cash in on Chris Wood during the summer transfer window.

After the forward's indifferent spell with Newcastle United, eyebrows were raised when Forest were prepared to commit to paying an alleged £15m for Wood.

That came after an initial loan stint that produced just one goal from seven appearances in the Premier League, with Forest obligated to complete a permanent deal.

However, it has since proven to be value for money, the 32-year-old contributing 12 goals and one assist from his 25 outings in the top flight this campaign.

Furthermore, Wood goes into Saturday's showdown with Wolverhampton Wanderers having netted in four successive games and with ambitions to extend his outstanding recent form against the West Midlands outfit.

Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo before the match on February 28, 2024 © Reuters

Nottingham Forest's off-the-field problems

Retaining Wood's services in the long term, though, may not be a simple task, a consequence of Forest's ongoing issues with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules.

Forest have already been deducted four points for breaching those rules, the punishment having since being appealed, but their vast outlay since returning to the Premier League in 2022 means that sales may need to be made.

According to Football Insider, there are numerous Premier League clubs who are considering whether to take advantage of the situation.

Although Wood is due to turn 33 years of age in December, his contract at the City Ground only runs until the end of next season, leaving Forest in somewhat of a predicament.

While it is plausible that they could push for a renewal, there could also be an opportunity to recoup at least close to what they paid for Wood and bolster their financial position.

Nottingham Forest's Chris Wood scores against Tottenham Hotspur on April 7, 2024 © Reuters

Which clubs could target Wood?

Wood is no stranger to being on the move having represented as many as 13 different teams during his professional career.

Aside from moving to Newcastle, his transfers have tended to be to high-end Championship clubs or low-end Premier League teams, but his reputation has only been enhanced during his time at Forest.

With the current Premier League financial rules remaining for another season, Wood is a viable option for any team outside of the top six or seven sides.

The dilemma will come when it needs to be determined whether any team is willing to spend in excess of £10m on a player closer to his mid-thirties than his twenties.

Clubs such as West Ham United, Bournemouth, Fulham and Brentford - all of whom may be in the market for experienced forwards in the summer - could theoretically emerge as the most likely destinations.