€50 Million for a 32-Year-Old? BCFC Fans Left Stunned and Heartbroken Over Chris Wood Deal
BIRMINGHAM – In a move that has left fans reeling, Birmingham City Football Club have confirmed the signing of veteran striker Chris Wood from Nottingham Forest for a staggering €50 million fee.
The deal, finalized late last night, sees the 32-year-old New Zealand international make a surprise switch to St Andrew’s. While club officials have touted the transfer as a “statement of intent,” many fans are struggling to see the logic behind the record-breaking outlay.
On social media, reaction was swift and overwhelmingly negative.
“€50 million for a player who couldn’t get a game at Forest? This is beyond belief,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter).
Another posted, “Chris Wood was decent five years ago. Now? This is just depressing. What are we doing?”
Wood, who scored just 3 goals in 26 appearances last season, has seen his best years in the Premier League with Burnley and Newcastle. However, critics have pointed to his declining form and injury concerns as major red flags.
Many supporters expressed heartbreak over what they see as a missed opportunity to invest in younger talent or strengthen key areas like midfield and defense. Some even questioned the club’s long-term direction under new ownership, accusing the board of splashing money recklessly rather than strategically.
Club sources insist Wood’s experience and physical presence will offer something “different” up front, especially in tight Championship matches. Head coach John Eustace praised Wood’s leadership qualities and suggested he will play a pivotal role in the club’s push for promotion.
But fans remain unconvinced.
“This doesn’t feel like ambition — it feels like desperation,” said lifelong supporter Danny Wilkes, 41. “We had a chance to build something exciting. Instead, we’re blowing our budget on a fading name.”
As the dust settles on one of the most polarizing deals in recent club history, all eyes will be on Chris Wood when he pulls on the royal blue shirt for the first time. Whether he can silence the doubters — and justify the eye-watering fee — remains to be seen.
