Yoane Wissa has released a public statement expressing his desire to join Newcastle United, accusing Brentford of blocking the transfer despite a prior agreement. Wissa’s frustration stems from Brentford’s increased price tag and perceived reneging on their word, creating a transfer saga as the window nears its close.
Brentford striker Yoane Wissa has ignited a transfer saga by releasing a public statement expressing his desire to join Newcastle United. The move comes as a surprise to many, especially with the transfer window drawing to a close, leaving limited time for both clubs to negotiate a deal. Wissa's statement reveals a growing frustration with Brentford's management, whom he accuses of reneging on a prior agreement to allow him to leave should a suitable offer arise.
The situation intensified following Newcastle's interest in Wissa, viewing him as a potential replacement for Alexander Isak, who is rumored to be on the verge of departing St. James' Park. However, Brentford's sudden increase in Wissa's price tag has thrown a wrench into the works, prompting the player to take matters into his own hands.
"Over the past few weeks, there has been increased speculation about my future at Brentford Football Club," Wissa stated. "As a result, I wanted to speak directly and honestly about exactly where things stand. I have stayed silent for much of the summer, but with just hours remaining of the transfer window I feel compelled make it clear that I want to leave Brentford. I believe the club are unduly standing in my way despite a series of fair offers throughout the summer."
Wissa emphasized his commitment to Brentford since joining the club in 2021, highlighting his pride in their collective achievements. "I have always given 100 percent for Brentford since the day I signed back in 2021. I am proud of what we have built together and have never taken the opportunity to play for the club for granted. Brentford fans will always have a special place in my heart. And I have always conducted myself professionally, both on and off the pitch. It has been a privilege to wear this shirt for 149 games and celebrate 49 goals."
He further explained that discussions with Brentford's senior management earlier in the summer led him to believe that the club would not obstruct his departure if a reasonable offer materialized. "Earlier this summer, I held open discussions with the club’s senior management, including key directors and the new head coach. I made clear my intention to explore a new challenge. During these conversations, it was confirmed to me and my representatives that the club would not stand in my way if a reasonable offer was received. This was also put in writing. Based on this understanding, I sought to find a new club, keeping Brentford informed with full transparency at every step."
Wissa claims that a formal offer from another Premier League club, presumably Newcastle, was submitted, and he communicated his desire to join. "Brentford received a formal offer from another Premier League club and I then communicated I wanted to join. I was under the impression, from all my conversations with Brentford, that there was a mutual agreement to part ways."
However, Brentford's stance seemingly shifted as the transfer window neared its end. "Yet as the window comes to an end, the club has now significantly changed its position, going against what was communicated. This has left me in a difficult and frustrating position. The commitment that I could leave this summer has not been fulfilled. It saddens me to have to write that, and I maintain total respect for the club and its fans."
Wissa hopes that a resolution can still be reached before the transfer window closes, urging Brentford to honor their word. "I remain hopeful that a fair and reasonable resolution can still be found before the transfer window shuts. In the meantime, I must do what I feel is right for my career and family and insist that Brentford honour keep their word to let me join a new club and at a fair price."
Concluding his statement, Wissa expressed gratitude to Brentford's fans for their unwavering support. "I want to thank all the Brentford fans for their support and understanding during this difficult situation. Your energy and belief in me has always meant a great deal. This has never been about walking away from what is a fantastic football club. It’s about being allowed to move forward with Brentford's blessing based on a repeated commitment made that I could leave for a new chapter this summer."
The coming hours will be critical as Wissa pushes for his move to Newcastle, while Brentford faces a delicate situation to retain a valuable player or honor their alleged agreement.