Yoane Wissa Pushes for Brentford Exit Amid Newcastle Interest
Brentford forward Yoane Wissa has rejoined first-team training after productive discussions with head coach Keith Andrews, but his desire to leave the club remains resolute. The 28-year-old has made it clear that he wants a move to Newcastle United, where he hopes to secure Champions League football—a significant step up from his current role at Brentford.
A Tense Situation Resolved (For Now)
Wissa and Andrews held a crucial meeting at the training ground this week, aiming to mend a fractured relationship. The forward had been absent from senior training since abruptly leaving Brentford’s pre-season camp in Portugal on July 21. While the talks led to his reintegration into the squad, sources suggest Wissa’s long-term future remains uncertain.
Despite returning to training and participating in Brentford’s Premier League media day on Tuesday—where players were photographed for the upcoming season—Wissa’s stance on a Newcastle move has not softened. His early exit from Portugal signaled a growing frustration, and at one point, he reportedly threatened not to play or train for Brentford again until his transfer request was addressed.
Newcastle’s Interest and Brentford’s Valuation
Newcastle’s pursuit of Yoane Wissa is serious, but negotiations have hit a stumbling block over the transfer fee. Brentford values the forward significantly higher than the £25 million plus £5 million in add-ons that Newcastle has reportedly offered. The Bees are in no rush to sell unless their asking price is met, especially since finding a suitable replacement before the September 1 deadline could prove challenging.
From Wissa’s perspective, a move to St James’ Park represents an opportunity to compete at the highest level. Newcastle’s recent resurgence under Eddie Howe and their upcoming Champions League campaign make them an attractive destination for ambitious players. Given Wissa’s attacking versatility and proven Premier League experience, he would be a valuable addition to Howe’s squad.
What’s Next for Wissa?
The immediate question is whether Wissa will feature in Brentford’s next pre-season friendly against Borussia Mönchengladbach on Friday. After missing the 1-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers, his inclusion would suggest a temporary truce—but not necessarily a long-term resolution.
Brentford’s Premier League opener against Tottenham Hotspur on August 13 looms large, and manager Thomas Frank will want clarity on Wissa’s future well before then. If a Newcastle deal doesn’t materialize, both player and club will need to find a way to work together effectively.
However, if Newcastle returns with an improved bid that meets Brentford’s valuation, Wissa could soon be wearing the black-and-white stripes at St James’ Park. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether this high-stakes transfer saga ends in a breakthrough or a deadlock.
The Bigger Picture for Brentford
Losing Wissa would be a blow for Brentford, especially so close to the new season. The Congolese forward has been a key contributor since arriving from Lorient in 2021, known for his creativity, work rate, and clutch performances. Selling him without a ready-made replacement could weaken their attacking options.
Yet, Brentford’s recruitment model is built on buying low and selling high, so if the right offer arrives, they may reluctantly sanction Wissa’s departure. The club has already been proactive in the transfer market, securing Nathan Collins and Kevin Schade, which suggests they are prepared for potential exits.
Final Thoughts
The Yoane Wissa transfer saga is far from over. While his return to training indicates a temporary cooling of tensions, his Newcastle ambitions remain intact. Will Brentford hold firm, or will Newcastle meet their demands? One thing is certain: Wissa’s future will be one of the most closely watched storylines as the transfer window reaches its climax.
For now, all eyes are on whether he takes the field against Mönchengladbach—and whether the Magpies make another decisive move to bring him to Tyneside.
