Brentford’s Yoane Wissa will miss the EFL Cup tie against Bournemouth due to ongoing transfer speculation linking him with a move to Newcastle United. Manager Keith Andrews confirmed the decision, stating it was in the best interest of the squad. Newcastle have made multiple bids for Wissa, but Brentford are holding out for their £50 million valuation. Andrews also highlighted the opportunity for other players to step up in Wissa’s absence and praised Bournemouth’s quality ahead of the cup clash.
Brentford striker Yoane Wissa will miss Tuesday’s EFL Cup tie against Bournemouth as ongoing transfer speculation continues to swirl around his future. Bees boss Keith Andrews confirmed the 28-year-old’s absence, citing the need to prioritize the stability of the squad amidst intense interest from Newcastle United.
Wissa was also absent from Brentford’s recent 1-0 Premier League victory over Aston Villa, a decision Andrews explained was directly linked to the uncertainty surrounding his potential move. The situation has been further fueled by reports that Wissa briefly removed all references to Brentford from his social media profiles, though he has since returned to training with the first team.
Newcastle, managed by Eddie Howe, are reportedly keen on bolstering their attacking options, particularly with Alexander Isak potentially seeking an exit from St. James’ Park. The Magpies have already submitted three bids for Wissa, with the most recent offer reportedly reaching £40 million. However, Brentford are holding firm, valuing their prolific forward at around £50 million.
Last season, Wissa proved to be a key asset for Brentford, netting an impressive 19 Premier League goals. His goal-scoring prowess has made him a highly sought-after target, and the club is understandably reluctant to let him go without receiving a fee that reflects his value.
Newcastle’s pursuit hasn’t been limited to Wissa, as they also saw a £50 million offer for Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen rejected on Monday. This demonstrates the club’s determination to strengthen their attack before the transfer window closes next week, and Wissa remains a primary target.
Andrews emphasized that the EFL Cup tie presents an opportunity for other players to showcase their abilities. “The cup game will give an opportunity for other players but, equally, we want to take it very, very seriously,” he stated. “For me, it’s good timing for some of those players that may have been a bit frustrated not to have played; some of those will get opportunities.”
He added, “We’ll be strong. We’re taking a squad down there which will be as strong and competitive as possible to try and win the game, and Dango [Ouattara] will be involved.” Andrews also noted that a couple of players who came off during the Aston Villa match will be given precautionary rest to build their fitness after disrupted pre-seasons.
“But overall, the squad is in a good place and looking really healthy,” Andrews continued. “The focus is on the group, so Yoane won’t be involved. Again, that’s a decision around what I feel is best for the group.”
Looking ahead to the match against Bournemouth, Andrews expressed his admiration for the Cherries, who secured their first league win of the season with a 1-0 triumph over Wolves. He anticipates a challenging encounter, praising Bournemouth’s speed, energy, and high-intensity style of play.
“It’s a great game for us,” Andrews said. “It’s a team I have a lot of admiration for, and it’ll be a real test for us, with the way they play the game. They’re full of speed, energy, they’re high-octane. You could see that from the game against Liverpool.”
He further highlighted the problems Bournemouth caused Liverpool, emphasizing the need for Brentford to be prepared for their intensity. “We’ll match that and hopefully cause them some problems.”
Brentford have a strong record in the EFL Cup, having progressed from each of their last seven second-round clashes. However, they have been eliminated in four of their five ties in this round when facing a team from the same division, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming match.
Bournemouth’s recent form against Brentford is less favorable, having failed to win any of their last seven games against the Bees (D2 L5), conceding two or more goals on six occasions. However, their recent victory over Wolves suggests they are building momentum and pose a significant threat.
