Newcastle United are struggling to negotiate a move for Yoane Wissa and could turn to alternative striker targets.placeholder image
Newcastle United are struggling to negotiate a move for Yoane Wissa and could turn to alternative striker targets. | Getty Images
Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur could lose out in their pursuit of Brentford forward Yoane Wissa
Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur risk missing out on Brentford striker Yoane Wissa with Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr reportedly ready to meet Brentford’s valuation of the player.
The Magpies have already seen a bid rejected by the Bees this summer, with Wissa leaving the Bees' pre-season trip to Portugal amid the speculation over his future. He has since returned to training with Brentford but it remains unclear if he will remain in West London after the September 1 transfer deadline.
Brentford are said to value him at £50m after he scored 19 goals in the Premier League last term. They have also lost Bryan Mbeumo and Christian Nørgaard this summer and are resistant to losing another key player - having also seen Thomas Frank join Tottenham.
Spurs are still in need of more threat in attack and L’Equipe in France say Wissa is still on the club’s radar. However, the report has said Al-Nassr are the only club willing to match Brentford’s valuation and Saudi officials are now trying to convince the player to make the move to the Middle East.
Lack of suitable replacements makes Yoane Wissa deal difficult for Brentford to sanction
Newcastle are keen to sign Wissa amid ongoing uncertainty over Alexander Isak’s future at St James’ Park while they also need a replacement for Calum Wilson. The striker left as a free agent and has since joined West Ham United.
The likes of Sunderland and Leeds United have strengthened significantly ahead of the 2025-26 campaign as they look to buck the trend of newly-promoted clubs going straight back down. For Brentford, a deal for Wissa must be the right price and a new striker must be signed.
Keith Andrews praises Yoane Wissa professionalism
Addressing the player’s situation, Brentford boss Keith Andrews told BBC Radio London this week: "Wissa came back from Portugal - that was the right thing for all parties.
"He was working very hard in the training ground in the build-up to the QPR game, obviously lacking in fitness. The players had yesterday off, and today was the first day we trained together as a group, and Yoane was there.
"Every coach would want him at the football club and every fan would want him at the football club, because he is an outstanding talent. He has proved to be an amazing football player for this club because of his importance within the group.
"I can't say that it has put me under a lot of stress because I do things one at a time. I am very understanding of the situation, having been in this industry for a long time.
"Transfer windows are always similar. I try to keep a good relationship with Wissa, and that's the way it has to remain. It's underpinned with mutual respect."
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