Newcastle United have been waiting patiently for Yoane Wissa to make his long-anticipated debut, and according to Jamie Redknapp, the moment he returns could transform the entire rhythm of their season.
The pundit believes Newcastle’s inconsistency has deeper roots than many realise, stretching back to the summer’s uncertainty around Alexander Isak and the unfortunate injury to Wissa that followed soon after his big-money arrival.
The Magpies offered a reminder of their true level in their 2-1 win over Manchester City, a display full of power, intensity and belief. That result was a huge response after disappointing, flat performances away to West Ham and Brentford, and Redknapp thinks it was the type of victory that changes the mood inside a dressing room.
He described it as a “blue-chip win,” a result that proves Newcastle can still go head-to-head with the strongest sides in the league when their players hit the required level.
But the former midfielder argued that the turbulence of the opening months cannot be separated from the disruption caused by Isak’s summer transfer saga.
He explained that losing their focal point, even temporarily, created confusion in the squad at a time when consistency was needed. Redknapp went further, saying that the follow-up blow of Wissa’s knee injury only deepened the challenge for Eddie Howe.
The DR Congo forward arrived for £55million with expectations of becoming a key part of the attack, but a setback on international duty meant he has not yet featured for the club and may remain sidelined for a couple more weeks.
Despite this slow start, Redknapp is convinced that Wissa’s eventual return will give Newcastle something they have been missing. He believes the former Brentford forward’s pace, movement and ability to link play will complement the options Howe already has, and he expects the team to improve steadily as the season unfolds.
He pointed out that even Isak needed time before hitting his stride when he first joined the club, and Wissa’s lack of a proper pre-season has only added to the delay in bedding him in.
Redknapp emphasised that the inconsistency shown so far should not overshadow the quality within the squad or the work Howe has done. He admitted that Howe himself will be disappointed with some of their performances but insisted that the win against Manchester City proves what Newcastle are capable of when they compete properly and show bravery in the big moments.
According to him, that result is the kind of benchmark the manager can point to when demanding higher standards. He believes Howe will be telling his players that if they can beat a team of City’s calibre, then they cannot afford to fall below that level in matches like Brentford away, where they lost individual duels and looked flat from the first minute.
Redknapp also noted how the Newcastle supporters expect maximum effort every time they watch their team. He said the connection between the club and its fanbase is built on intensity, aggression and a willingness to fight for every ball, and that when those ingredients are missing, the crowd reacts quickly.
However, he also believes the players showed enough against City to suggest they have turned a corner and that the squad has too much talent not to climb steadily up the table once the injured key men return.
The victory over City also eased the growing pressure on Eddie Howe. Despite transforming Newcastle during his time in charge, he had faced questions from outside the club about their mixed start to the season.
Redknapp dismissed such talk, calling Howe a revelation and a major part of Newcastle’s rebirth. He praised the manager for lifting the standards across the entire club, from training intensity to tactical organisation, and said he has restored pride and optimism at St James’ Park.
Redknapp also spoke about the bond Howe has formed with the supporters, saying the fans adore him not just for the results but for the identity he has created.
He highlighted the club’s long wait for silverware and said Howe’s recent success in delivering a trophy has already made him a historic figure at Newcastle.
In his view, the manager has changed the culture of the club so dramatically that he believes Howe will eventually be honoured with a statue outside the stadium.
For now, though, Howe’s focus will be on getting Newcastle back to their best every week, not just in isolated big matches. And Redknapp thinks the return of Yoane Wissa could be the moment that gives the team balance and consistency again.
With Isak back fit and Wissa edging closer, he believes Newcastle’s attack will soon look far more complete, and that the second half of the season could show a very different version of the Magpies.
