Merson ‘cannot believe’ Newcastle transfer mistake as decision could soon haunt Magpies

Paul Merson “cannot believe” the decision for Newcastle United to sell Chris Wood, as he feels it could come back to bite them soon in one scenario.

Newcastle’s business since their takeover in 2021 has been conducted very well. A lot of the incomings have had a big impact in the side, and that has shown in their performances.

Bruno Guimaraes has been the standout, effecting things in each area of the field. Kieran Trippier has also massively proven his worth since making the switch from Atletico Madrid.

The likes of Dan Burn and Sven Botman have quietly gone about their business, also helping the side.

All of those players have contributed to Newcastle’s fantastic form. Indeed, the Magpies find themselves fourth in the Premier League, in a legitimate fight for a top-four spot.

There have not particularly been any notable departures over the last couple of seasons.

That was until striker Wood moved to Nottingham Forest on loan, with the bottom-half side having an option to make the deal permanent.

That move came in January, almost exactly a year after the New Zealand international joined Newcastle from Burnley.

Merson ‘cannot believe’ Chris Wood departure was allowed

The move might seem a strange one, given Wood only joined last January. Especially since he has missed just one league game all season.

Sky Sports pundit Merson seems to be unable to see the logic behind the decision from the Magpies, given it has left them with just two senior striking options.

“Flabbergasted. Honestly, flabbergasted,” he said on Sky Sports.

“I like Wilson and Isak. But one’s been out a long time injured [and] the other one, you don’t seem to get a run of games – Wilson – where he’s fit consistently.”

Merson feels Newcastle will miss what Wood brings to the table, and in the not-too-distant future, this decision could come back to haunt them.

“Wood comes in and does the job. He comes across as a good pro. Not just that, he’s at the other end, as well, when he’s defending. When they’re keeping clean sheets, it’s not luck – they defend corners very well. He comes back, he clears stuff,” he added.

“For what they’re selling him for, I cannot believe it. It wouldn’t surprise me in three weeks’ time if the two centre-forwards were injured and they haven’t got a forward to put on upfront.

“If you’re Newcastle, you do the business first and then you get rid of Wood.”

Wood departure opens up striker space

Doing business is likely something that Newcastle will do now that they only have two strikers to choose from. It is likely they already have Wood’s replacement lined up.

With only two players to battle with for a place in a top-four side, it’s not hard to see why a striker would choose to sign for Newcastle.

As such, they may not be in a predicament for very long.

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