Report: Newcastle's transfer chase of Brentford's striker Yoane Wissa heats up

The 28-year-old DR Congo international has emerged as a prime target for the Magpies, who are desperate to bolster their attacking options ahead of their Champions League return. Wissa, who netted an impressive 19 Premier League goals last season without taking a single penalty, is keen to join Newcastle and has made his intentions clear by refusing to train with Brentford, effectively going on strike to force a move.

"Yoane Wissa has informed Brentford management about his desire to leave the club," transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported on X. "He doesn't want to return to training, insisting to leave and get a Champions League opportunity."

Brentford's reluctance to let Wissa go stems from their already turbulent summer. The Bees have lost key figures, including star winger Bryan Mbeumo to Manchester United for 65 million pounds, captain Christian Norgaard to Arsenal, and head coach Thomas Frank to Tottenham Hotspur.

With only a year left on Wissa's contract, though Brentford hold an option to extend it by 12 months, the club are holding firm, valuing their record goalscorer at upwards of 40 million pounds. However, their stance has softened recently, with reports indicating they are now open to a sale provided they secure a replacement.

"Brentford are now prepared to let Yoane Wissa leave providing a striker is found," journalist Ben Jacobs posted on X, signaling a shift in their position.

Newcastle's pursuit of Wissa intensified after they missed out on several high-profile targets, including Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike, who has joined Liverpool, and RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko. The Magpies' initial 25 million pound bid for Wissa was rebuffed, but a renewed offer around 35 million pounds is expected to test Brentford's resolve. "Wissa to Newcastle is now seen as likely," The Daily Mail reported, with the player's determination to join fueling optimism on Tyneside.

Brentford's new head coach, Keith Andrews, acknowledged the challenging situation, saying, "It's not ideal. There's constant communication with Yoane around the situation. We need to remember it's about the human being and the person first."

The Bees are reportedly eyeing Bournemouth's Dango Ouattara as a potential replacement, which could pave the way for Wissa's departure before the September 1 deadline.

Newcastle's transfer woes have been compounded by uncertainty surrounding their star striker Alexander Isak, who has attracted interest from Liverpool. Despite rejecting a bid exceeding 110 million pounds, the Magpies are bracing for further offers, making Wissa's potential arrival even more critical. Manager Eddie Howe emphasized the club's approach, stating, "We're looking for the best players we can get. It's quality over quantity, and we're still in there trying to bring very good players to the club."

Wissa's versatility, durability, and proven goal-scoring ability make him an ideal fit for Howe's system. Having joined Brentford from Lorient in 2021 for 8.5 million pounds, he has scored 49 goals in 149 appearances, cementing his status as a reliable Premier League performer.

Newcastle have also explored other attacking options, including Paris Saint-Germain's Goncalo Ramos, Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson, and Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins, but Wissa remains their primary focus.

As the transfer window edges closer to its close, Newcastle's determination to secure Wissa signals their ambition to compete at the highest level. With the player pushing hard for the move and Brentford actively seeking a replacement, all signs point to a dramatic conclusion to this transfer saga.