Yoane Wissa takes new action to escalate his Brentford frustration as Newcastle turn to Benjamin Sesko

The simmering tension between Yoane Wissa and Brentford has reached boiling point, with the DR Congo international taking increasingly drastic measures to secure his departure.

Newcastle United’s initial interest earlier this summer appears to have unsettled the 28-year-old forward, who has now escalated his protest by refusing to participate in Brentford’s pre-season preparations.

His latest act of defiance—skipping Saturday’s friendly against QPR despite the short distance from the club’s training ground—signals a player determined to force through a move.

Wissa’s absence from the squad that traveled to Loftus Road speaks volumes about his current mindset.

Sky Sports reporter Gary Cotterill confirmed the striker’s conspicuous no-show, noting he hadn’t merely arrived separately but had chosen to completely distance himself from the matchday environment.

This follows reports that Wissa cut short his involvement in Brentford’s Portugal training camp and, while present at the training ground last Thursday, declined to participate in first-team sessions.

Such calculated actions reveal a player who believes he has outgrown his current surroundings and is willing to burn bridges to facilitate an exit.

Brentford’s resolve faces its sternest test yet. Having already lost Bryan Mbeumo to Manchester United, Thomas Frank’s side can ill afford another attacking departure without adequate replacement.

The Bees’ hierarchy has so far resisted pressure to sell, but Wissa’s increasingly disruptive behavior may force their hand. His contract situation gives Brentford leverage—the forward is tied to the club until 2026—but maintaining an unhappy player risks destabilizing the squad as the new Premier League season approaches.

Newcastle’s parallel pursuit of Benjamin Šeško adds another layer of complexity to Wissa’s situation. The Magpies’ £65 million bid for the Slovenian marks a significant escalation in their striker search, yet Eddie Howe’s side maintains interest in Wissa as a proven Premier League alternative.

Clinton Morrison articulated this viewpoint on Sky Sports, arguing that while Šeško possesses undeniable potential, Wissa’s top-flight experience makes him the safer short-term acquisition. “We’ve seen some of [Šeško’s] goals. He can finish.

But the Bundesliga is a different league to the Premier League,” Morrison noted, before praising Wissa as “a very good signing” who could hit the ground running.

The coming days will prove pivotal for all parties. Should Newcastle succeed in landing Šeško, Wissa’s options would narrow considerably.

Conversely, if the Slovenian opts for Manchester United or Leipzig dig their heels in, the Magpies may revisit negotiations for the Brentford forward—albeit from a position of greater strength given his strained relationship with his current employers.

For Wissa, the gamble carries significant risk. By alienating Brentford’s management and supporters, he has limited his fallback options should a transfer fail to materialize.

Yet his actions suggest confidence that Newcastle or another suitor will meet Brentford’s valuation before the window closes. The striker’s Premier League pedigree—25 goals across three seasons—makes him an attractive proposition for mid-table clubs seeking guaranteed production rather than speculative potential.

Brentford’s next move warrants close scrutiny. The club’s renowned data-driven approach favors proactive sales over retaining disgruntled assets, yet replacing both Mbeumo and Wissa in one window presents a formidable challenge.

Wissa’s market value, likely in the £25-30 million range, could fund reinforcements, but finding comparable quality at reasonable prices grows increasingly difficult as the season approaches.

Newcastle’s transfer strategy appears bifurcated—simultaneously chasing elite potential in Šeško while keeping Wissa as a proven contingency.

This duality reflects the Magpies’ transitional phase: ambitious enough to target Europe’s most coveted young talents yet pragmatic enough to recognize the value in seasoned Premier League performers.

Howe’s preference may lean toward Šeško’s higher ceiling, but Wissa’s availability and relative affordability ensure he remains on the radar.

As the standoff continues, Wissa’s professional reputation hangs in the balance. While modern football often sympathizes with players seeking career advancement, his methods risk alienating potential buyers who value squad harmony.

For Newcastle, the episode serves as both opportunity and cautionary tale—a chance to secure an established goalscorer at reduced cost, but also a reminder of the destabilizing effects transfer sagas can inflict.

The resolution, when it comes, will reveal much about each club’s transfer market philosophies and the player’s ultimate priorities.

Will Wissa’s gamble pay off with a move to St James’ Park? Or will Brentford’s famed resilience see them retain an unhappy yet talented asset? One certainty remains: this simmering transfer story still has several twists left before the window closes.