Yoane Wissa is now expected to stay at Brentford in a major blow to Newcastle United during what remains of the summer transfer window.
Newcastle had a £40million bid rejected for Wissa, who has been desperate to leave Brentford for St James’ Park.
Indeed, Newcastle view Wissa as Callum Wilson’s replacement, meaning even his potential arrival wouldn’t absolutely mean that Alexander Isak is allowed to leave for Liverpool.
Newcastle want to replace Wilson and it’s looking increasingly as if Isak will stay too. The club remain strong in their stance that the Sweden star will not be leaving.
Now, Brentford look to be doing the same with Wissa.
Yoane Wissa during a friendly between Watford and Brentford.
Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images
Brentford confirm Yoane Wissa isn’t leaving
Bees boss Keith Andrews has been speaking ahead of his side’s Carabao Cup clash against Bournemouth on Tuesday.
Wissa did not play for Brentford against Aston Villa, much like Isak for Newcastle the week before.
However, Andrews has now confirmed he fully expects Wissa to remain in west London this summer even despite the fact he will not play against the Cherries.
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“The disruptive nature of it, the focus is on the group so Yoane won’t be involved,” he said.
“As far as I’m concerned there’s been no movement in a way and I fully expect Yoane to be here come next Tuesday.
“Yoane’s situation, the understanding of it, the focus is on the team when you get close to games. The nature of it, emotions around it. What happens behind closed doors we keep it there.
“My stance hasn’t changed. I knew there would be interest in Yoane, when you score that many goals in the Premier League and play as well as he did.”
Newcastle United and Brentford fight against player power
The Isak and Wissa sagas have been compared this summer, although there are some differences.
Wissa feels as if Brentford said he could leave but Newcastle have denied ever telling Isak that.
Still, that’s not to defend the Brentford star. He has not covered himself in glory this summer and neither has Isak.
Even Alan Shearer criticised Wissa for his conduct, which has been very similar to Isak’s.
However, with both forwards now seemingly set to stay at the club they’ve been trying to leave, it seems player power has failed for now.
It’s a blow for Newcastle. Wissa would have been a fine addition but lamenting missing out on him too much feels somewhat strange when potentially celebrating the fact that Newcastle are refusing to be bullied over Isak.