Newcastle United left it incredibly late, but were finally able to sign Yoane Wissa on transfer deadline day.
The 29-year-old arrives from Brentford for £55million, becoming one of Newcastle’s most expensive signings ever.
Newcastle signing Wissa represents a change in approach. Since being taken over by PIF, the Magpies have never spent that kind of money on a player with so much experience. Instead, they have normally invested in potential.
But the Wissa deal is different, as the Magpies secured the striker they so desperately needed in the wake of Alexander Isak joining Liverpool.
It certainly was desperate, which is why Newcastle United ended up spending so much money on a player they initially only wanted to buy for around £30million.
Yoane Wissa holds up a Newcastle United shirt after joining the club from Brentford.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Eddie Howe called the shots on Newcastle United splashing out on Yoane Wissa
It was a case of needs must for Newcastle United, with a new report detailing who was the driving force behind the club spending so much money on Wissa.
According to the i Paper, it was Eddie Howe who was the most eager for Newcastle to agree to Brentford’s demands of £55million.
They report that the Newcastle United manager is delighted to bring the forward to St James’ Park, having secured a player who looks poised to make an immediate impact in black and white.
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Wissa was Newcastle’s sixth summer signing, taking the club’s spending beyond £250million. The Magpies have never spent so much money in a single transfer window before, summing up the way they have transformed their squad within an inflated market.
Where Yoane Wissa ranks alongside the most expensive Premier League transfers of the summer
At £55million, Wissa was the joint-second most expensive signing at Newcastle United this summer. Anthony Elanga also cost £55million, while Nick Woltemade took top spot with a deal worth £69million including add-ons.
In terms of the entire Premier League, the £55million deal to bring Wissa to St James’ Park was the 15th most expensive of the summer. He comes in just ahead of Dean Huijsen, who moved to Real Madrid despite interest from Newcastle.
Unsurprisingly, top spot is taken by Isak to Liverpool. His £125million transfer to Anfield is a British record.
5 most expensive Premier League transfer of the summer
Alexander Isak £125m
Florian Wirtz £116m
Hugo Ekitike £79m
Benjamin Sesko £73m
Bryan Mbeumo £71m