Brentford Send Firm Message to Newcastle United Over Yoanne Wissa's Future

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4 days ago

Newcastle's Wissa Pursuit Hits Brentford Brick Wall
Newcastle United's move for Yoane Wissa remains firmly in limbo, with Brentford refusing to sanction the sale unless a suitable replacement is secured. According to iNews, the Magpies have tabled a £30 million valuation for the DR Congo international, viewing him as a direct replacement for Callum Wilson, not Alexander Isak. However, while Newcastle's price is deemed fair, it is not the money that is stalling negotiations.
With Bryan Mbeumo having already departed for Manchester United, Brentford are wary of further weakening their attacking ranks. Wissa, who notched an impressive 19 goals in 36 Premier League games last season, has become essential to their structure. The Bees are unwilling to let another key forward depart without a replacement, regardless of the fee.
'Wissa, who is desperate to move to Newcastle and play Champions League football, is not training with the Brentford first team and is understood to be unhappy at the deal having stalled.'
Photo: IMAGO
Transfer Limbo at St James' Park
While Wissa is pushing for the move, Newcastle's pursuit has been marked by complexity. With cordial talks ongoing and no deadlock over valuation, a breakthrough remains possible if Brentford can act swiftly in the market. Yet, Brentford's reluctance is understandable. As iNews reports, the claim of a £50m price tag is wide of the mark, and the stalling point is about depth, not money.
Newcastle have been left scanning alternative options, including Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson and RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko. But fresh problems loom there too. Jackson's price is 'astronomical,' with Chelsea reportedly quoting £80 million, while Newcastle's valuation sits closer to £65 million — around the figure they were willing to pay for Hugo Ekitike.
Isak and the Striker Domino Effect
An irony not lost on anyone at St James' Park is how Newcastle find themselves on both sides of a similar dilemma. Alexander Isak, withdrawn from the club's pre-season tour, has shown interest in a Liverpool switch. Like Brentford, the Tynesiders won't sell unless a viable replacement is lined up. Yet Liverpool's anticipated bid, following Luis Diaz's £65.5m sale to Bayern Munich, could be too tempting to ignore.
'Newcastle's official line – repeated publicly and privately – is that he is not for sale and that is more than just PR.'
Still, the transfer market remains volatile. A late bid from Liverpool could shift internal thinking. Until then, Newcastle fans will be left wondering if either striker saga will find resolution before the window slams shut.
Forward Thinking Required
For Newcastle, the Wissa situation isn't just about this window. It's emblematic of the club's broader squad-building strategy, shaped by Champions League ambitions and Financial Fair Play constraints.
Wissa may be eager, and Newcastle may be ready, but unless Brentford act fast in their own market, this deal may not materialise before the season kicks off.
Our View – EPL Index Analysis
From a Newcastle fan's point of view, this Wissa link is both exciting and slightly frustrating. £30 million for a Premier League-proven forward who hit 19 goals last season feels like smart business, especially given our need for a more consistent goal threat. But Brentford's stance is understandable — they've already lost Mbeumo, and letting Wissa go without a replacement would gut their attack.
Still, it's heartening that Wissa wants to join Newcastle and play in the Champions League. That ambition fits with the club's direction under Eddie Howe. His desire and current stand-off with Brentford might actually push this deal over the line if the player keeps pressing behind the scenes.
The big worry is Isak. If he ends up at Liverpool, it would be a huge blow, and Wissa alone wouldn't be a like-for-like swap. We'd still need to bring in another top-level striker. Fans are anxious because this window feels slow and reactive. With the season around the corner, we need clarity — and quickly.