Development: Newcastle believe pure finisher with a “nose for goals” will join instead of Sesko
The tension at Newcastle’s training ground has reached boiling point as Alexander Isak finds himself exiled from first-team activities following his apparent desire to force a move to Liverpool.
Eddie Howe’s no-nonsense approach has seen the Swedish striker training separately and excluded from team bonding events, signaling a fractured relationship that appears beyond repair.
With Isak’s departure looking increasingly inevitable, Newcastle’s recruitment team has accelerated efforts to secure a replacement, growing confident of landing Brentford’s Yoane Wissa in a deal worth approximately £40 million.
The Congolese forward represents a pragmatic solution to Newcastle’s striking crisis. While not the marquee name some fans might have hoped for after missing out on Benjamin Šeško, Wissa’s Premier League pedigree and big-game mentality make him an intriguing option.
His consistent performances against England’s elite clubs demonstrate he won’t be overawed by Newcastle’s Champions League campaign:
| Wissa vs ‘Big Six’ (Brentford career) | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenal | 8 | 2 | 0 |
| Chelsea | 8 | 2 | 0 |
| Liverpool | 8 | 2 | 0 |
| Manchester City | 7 | 2 | 0 |
| Manchester United | 8 | 1 | 1 |
| Tottenham | 6 | 2 | 1 |
Wissa’s potential arrival comes at a transitional period for both clubs. Newcastle seek to establish themselves as Champions League regulars, while Brentford face a new era after Thomas Frank’s departure.
The 27-year-old’s development under Frank was remarkable – transforming from a £8.5 million Lorient signing into a reliable Premier League scorer.
His former manager’s glowing endorsement (“He’s got that nose for goals”) carries particular weight given Frank’s reputation for developing attacking talent.
The deal’s momentum stems from multiple factors working in Newcastle’s favor. Wissa’s reported training ground strike at Brentford indicates his willingness to push for the move, while the Magpies’ Champions League football provides the career progression he craves.
Brentford’s summer exodus – including Bryan Mbeumo and Christian Nørgaard – weakens their negotiating position, though the £40 million valuation still represents significant profit on their initial investment.
Howe views Wissa as more than just a stopgap solution. The forward’s versatility to lead the line or operate in wide areas offers tactical flexibility, while his Premier League experience ensures minimal adaptation time.
With Newcastle’s European campaign adding fixture congestion, Wissa’s durability (he’s missed just 10 league games through injury in three seasons) makes him an ideal rotational option alongside potential other arrivals.
While Ollie Watkins remains on Newcastle’s radar, Aston Villa’s £60 million valuation and the player’s contract situation make Wissa the more attainable target.
The coming weeks will test Newcastle’s negotiating resolve, but all signs point to the Brentford forward becoming the latest piece in Howe’s evolving squad puzzle.
In a summer where relationships have fractured and ambitions have clashed, Wissa represents something increasingly rare in modern football – a sensible signing that addresses immediate needs without breaking the bank or disrupting squad harmony.