Burnley break club record luring Chris Wood from Leeds
Leeds were unable to fend off the Clarets’ third attempt to sign the New Zealand international for a club record fee of 16.4 million euros.
Burnley completed the signing of striker Chris Wood from Leeds in a club-record fee reported to be 16.4 million euros on Monday.
Leeds lose top scorer Chris Wood
The 25-year-old New Zealand international moves to England's top division after finishing last season as the Championship's top scorer with 27 goals. In all he scored 44 goals in 88 appearances for Leeds but turned down the offer of a new contract with the club at the weekend.
The Clarets did not disclose the sum paid to Leeds but confirmed it was more than their previous record, around 14 million euros for Robbie Brady from Norwich this year.
Wood, who joins on a four-year deal, is Burnley manager Sean Dyche's first signing of the transfer window. He returns to the Premier League after brief spells with West Bromwich Albion and Leicester City.
Prospect of top flight football
“My ambition has been to play in the Premier League for years” the player told the club's Clarets Player HD. “I've had tastes of being in there but I've never had the chance to give it a proper bash. Coming here I feel I've got a proper opportunity to do that. I've never started a Premier League game and this is what I want to do”.
Auckland-born Wood has scored 20 times in 52 appearances for New Zealand. He played in the 2010 World Cup as an 18-year-old, and went on to become the youngest captain of the 'All Whites' when he led the side for the first time in November, 2014. He could make his debut for his new employers as early as Wednesday's EFL Cup second round tie at Blackburn Rovers.
Wood's departure comes as a blow to Leeds who have started searching for a replacement. The club has vowed to reimburse supporters who bought a Wood's No.9 shirt during the pre-season.