Brentford striker Yoane Wissa has reportedly refused to train, escalating his transfer saga with Newcastle United. The Magpies have made multiple bids, exceeding £30 million, but Brentford, having already sold Bryan Mbeumo to Manchester United, are proving reluctant to let another key forward depart. Wissa believes a gentlemen’s agreement existed, allowing his transfer for around £26 million, a claim Brentford denies.
Newcastle’s interest in Wissa intensified after their pursuit of Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike fell through, with Liverpool securing the French striker. The Magpies also considered RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, but Wissa emerged as their top target. Brentford’s newly appointed manager, Keith Andrews, seems hesitant to sanction Wissa’s departure, particularly after the previous departures of David Raya and Ivan Toney. Although former manager Thomas Frank described Brentford as a ‘selling club’, the current situation suggests a different approach.
The club’s stance has left Wissa ‘disappointed’, leading to his training strike. He reportedly held face-to-face talks with Brentford’s hierarchy after leaving their pre-season tour, reiterating his desire to join a Champions League club, and his refusal to sign a new contract. Brentford’s reported demand of over £50 million to release Wissa presents a significant hurdle. Meanwhile, Brentford are reportedly searching for Wissa’s replacement.
This situation has implications for other clubs. Manchester United’s acquisition of Mbeumo could be indirectly impacted, and Newcastle’s ongoing pursuit of a striker underlines concerns about their forward line, especially considering potential departures, such as Alexander Isak’s reported desire to leave.