Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood has extended his contract with the club, committing to the City Ground until 2027.
Wood has been a standout performer this season, netting 14 goals in 22 Premier League matches, contributing significantly to Forest’s impressive third-place position in the standings.
The 33-year-old initially joined Forest on loan from Newcastle United in January 2023 before making the move permanent in June of the same year.
Despite being at the club for just two years, Wood has already become Forest’s all-time leading Premier League goalscorer, surpassing Bryan Roy’s record of 24 goals in December.
“I’m very excited and very happy to have it completed and done, and I’m looking forward to the next couple of years, at least,” Wood said.
“I saw the ambition when I first arrived. When I spoke to the owner and his family and saw where they want to be and where they see this club to be – it was clear they have high ambitions and big dreams. He has backed the club for years, even before promotion to the Premier League, which is fantastic, and the team is pushing in the right direction.
“I can’t thank the fans enough, they always come in voice and they’re always behind the team and myself, it’s a pleasure playing in front of them. Here’s to a few more years together.”
Wood’s previous deal was set to expire at the end of this season.
He is the second player to commit to the club this month after centre-back Murillo agreed a new four-and-a-half year deal.
The New Zealand striker was named as Forest’s first Premier League Player of the Month in November, also becoming the first from his country to achieve that feat.
“He has performed exceptionally well with us,” Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis said.
“More than just his goals, he epitomises everything that it means to wear the Garibaldi red – hard work, a fighting and winning spirit, and the attitude to never give up. He is a winner and a role model to inspire all of us, and we reward his dedication with ours.”
Wood finds home at Forest
Chris Wood played a pivotal role in Nottingham Forest’s survival in the 2023-24 Premier League season, scoring 14 goals. Across all competitions, he has amassed 30 goals in 65 appearances for the club.
Wood’s performance at the City Ground reached new heights following the appointment of manager Nuno Espírito Santo in December 2023. Remarkably, 25 of his 29 Premier League goals for Forest have come under the Portuguese tactician.
This season, Wood continues to be instrumental as Forest aims to return to European competitions for the first time since their UEFA Cup quarter-final run in 1995-96.
A two-time European Cup-winning team, Forest lifted the prestigious trophy in back-to-back seasons in 1979 and 1980. Currently, they remain unbeaten in eight league matches and hold the distinction of being the only team to defeat table-toppers Liverpool this season, securing a 1-0 victory at Anfield in September and a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture at the City Ground.
Nuno’s team sits six points behind Liverpool and maintains a six-point buffer over fifth-placed Manchester City in the race for a Champions League spot.
In the Premier League’s scoring charts, Wood’s 14 goals place him behind only Newcastle’s Alexander Isak (15), Manchester City’s Erling Haaland (17), and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (18). Additionally, he ranks fifth for overall goal contributions this season, with 16 to his name.
On the international stage, Wood debuted for New Zealand in June 2009 and has scored 34 goals in 74 appearances for the All Whites.
Wood’s journey in English football began in 2009 with West Bromwich Albion, but his early years were marked by multiple loan spells, including one at Leicester City, who signed him permanently in 2013.
In 2015, Leeds United acquired Wood, and he delivered 44 goals in 88 appearances before Burnley signed him for a club-record fee in 2017. His 10 goals during Burnley’s 2017-18 season helped the club secure Europa League qualification.
Newcastle United paid £25 million for Wood in January 2022, but his return of five goals in 39 appearances led to his eventual move to Forest, where he has since found his stride.