Brentford forward Yoane Wissa has announced his desire to leave the Bees before the end of the summer transfer window, with Newcastle United leading the race for the 28-year-old.
The DR Congo international enjoyed an excellent 2024-25 campaign for Brentford, scoring 20 goals and registering five assists in 39 appearances in all competitions, including 19 goals in the Premier League.
Wissa is yet to be involved for the Bees this term amid the speculation surrounding his future.
In a statement on Instagram, the striker has now confirmed that he wants to leave the Brentford Community Stadium before Monday's transfer deadline, but it remains to be seen whether Keith Andrews' side sanction an exit.
“Over the past few weeks, there has been increased speculation about my future at Brentford Football Club. As a result, I wanted to speak directly and honestly about exactly where things stand," wrote Wissa.
“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.
Brentford's Yoane Wissa pictured on February 21, 2025
Wissa pushing to leave Brentford before transfer deadline
“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. “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.
“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.
“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.
“I want to make it clear that I have not acted unprofessionally, nor do I wish to leave Brentford on bad terms. I have been transparent in my position throughout. I have continued to communicate openly with the club and conduct myself in a way that reflects my values as both a footballer and a human being.
Yoane Wissa celebrates making it 3-1 to Brentford on April 19, 2025
Wissa hoping for "a fair and reasonable resolution"
“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.
“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.
“Being made to stay beyond this summer will only tarnish four wonderful years at this incredible club and so I ask Brentford’s owners and directors to now keep their word to let me leave in the final hours of the window."
Newcastle are believed to have failed with an offer of £40m for Wissa, while they have also allegedly had at least two bids rejected by Wolverhampton Wanderers for Jorgen Strand Larsen.
Alexander Isak could still leave St James' Park before Monday's transfer deadline, with Liverpool expected to return with a British-record offer for the Sweden international.
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