After the summer transfer window came to an end, managing director Robbie Evans said that Leeds United had maxed their PSR position, but clearly, Leeds were willing to push the envelope.
Despite Evans’ claims, Leeds were willing to put themselves at risk of breaking PSR rules with the signing of Harry Wilson. It would have meant that Leeds would need to correct themselves before June 30, 2026.
Whether Leeds are willing to do business in January, when there is less time to correct, going beyond the PSR line, remains to be seen. Evans publicly said that Leeds would try to avoid doing business in January.
But reports say that Leeds are planning to do some business in January, contrary to what Evans has said. If Leeds are to do business, the chances are it will be an attacker. Leeds are monitoring a familiar face.
Leeds keep an eye on Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood
It is eight years since Chris Wood left Leeds to join Burnley in the summer of 2017, after scoring 30 goals under Garry Monk. The New Zealand skipper has gone on to score 97 goals since his Elland Road exit.
Playing a key role in Burnley’s success under Sean Dyche, he joined Newcastle in January 2022 but only remained a year before a loan to Nottingham Forest, which became permanent in the summer of 2023.
It is his time at Forest that has taken Wood to the next level. Wood scored 20 Premier League goals last season, and 34 in total over the last two years. But there is doubt regarding Wood’s future at Forest.
Perfect for Nuno Espirito Santo, Wood is not seen as the kind of striker Ange Postecoglou prefers up top. Igor Jesus, who joined Forest over Leeds, has been used more by Forest’s new boss than Nuno had done.
If Postecoglou remains, Wood’s game time is likely to reduce and it could mean he becomes available ahead of January. Graeme Bailey has informed LeedsUnited.News that Leeds are monitoring Wood.
But, any move for Wood hinges on Postecoglou’s future at Forest. The former Spurs boss has failed to win in any of his first seven matches since replacing Nuno, and his tenure as Forest boss is under threat.
What Chris Wood has previously said about Leeds United fans
Wood has been open and honest about his relationship with Leeds supporters, in the past. Despite his stunning final season at Elland Road, the striker was never short of some criticism from Leeds fans.
Wood says he relied on James Beattie to help him, with Beattie a part of Monk’s coaching staff back in 2016-17. Wood has also been honest about Leeds fans, when speaking to Sky in 2019, as per HITC.
“Passionate is definitely a word for it. When they are behind you and they love you, they are the best fans in the country. But if they don’t take to you, have a bit of a hold against you they let you know about it.”
A return to Elland Road for Wood would come as a bit of a surprise given the presence of Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The England international is getting better and better, but Wood would add firepower.
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