Newcastle United are in a mess when it comes to strikers, as they juggle the Alexander Isak situation with their efforts to sign Yoane Wissa.
It has long been expected that Wissa will join Newcastle United. Alas, the transfer window closes in less than two weeks and he is still a Brentford player.
The 28-year-old is not happy about his situation. Wissa believes he was told he could leave Brentford, and has made it clear that he wants to join Newcastle United.
As for the Magpies, they are desperate to complete a deal. They are still looking to replace Callum Wilson, and that needs to be sorted out before they can even think about replacing Alexander Isak.
It is hugely frustrating for Eddie Howe, but that frustration is not being aimed at Brentford.
Yoane Wissa celebrates scoring a goal for Brentford against Bournemouth in the Premier League.
Photo by Ben Hoskins/Getty Images
Newcastle United respect Brentford’s Yoane Wissa stance
Newcastle United and Brentford are in very similar situations, and that is not lost on either club.
According to the i Paper, Newcastle United and Brentford both remarked that they are in similar situations when they first met to discuss a deal for Wissa.
The i Paper add that, because of their similar situations, Newcastle respect Brentford’s desire to keep Wissa at the Gtech Community Stadium.
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The Bees do not want to leave themselves light in attack, having already sold Bryan Mbeumo to Manchester United this summer.
Wissa was just as important to Brentford last season, and will seemingly be going nowhere until a replacement is found.
Newcastle United forced to wait as Brentford eye another attacker
The hope was that Brentford signing Dango Ouattara would clear the path for Wissa to join Newcastle United. However, Ouattara is viewed as Mbeumo’s replacement.
Brentford still need to get another attacker in to facilitate Wissa’s exit, which Newcastle are well aware of.
It is a situation that the Magpies have to respect, as it is exactly where they stand with Alexander Isak.
Isak wants to join Liverpool and is currently refusing to play for Newcastle United. Attempts have been made to force through a move, but they are not going to work.
The 25-year-old is not going to leave Newcastle without a replacement arriving. The problem is that it is quite difficult to replace one of the best strikers in world football.
That is why Isak could stay at Newcastle, despite his desire to leave.
In contrast, it should be a bit easier for Brentford to replace Wissa. Regardless, he is going nowhere until that happens either.