Brentford chief finally break silence on Yoane Wissa verdict after forcing £55M Newcastle move
Brentford’s transfer deadline day was marked by the departure of Yoane Wissa, whose move to Newcastle United finally brought an end to a drawn-out saga that had dominated much of the summer.
While Alexander Isak’s situation had already captured plenty of headlines, Wissa’s transfer provided a dramatic conclusion of its own, sealed with barely half a minute left before the window slammed shut.
For months, Newcastle had been linked with Wissa, but talks between the clubs often stalled. Negotiations dragged on longer than anyone expected, with repeated setbacks threatening to derail the deal.
Eventually, though, Newcastle pushed through and confirmed the signing in the closing seconds. The fee was reported to be £55 million, making Wissa one of the most expensive players in the club’s history.
It was a figure higher than what Newcastle initially wanted to spend, but with attacking reinforcements badly needed, the Magpies had little choice but to meet Brentford’s demands.
The circumstances behind the transfer were far from smooth. Wissa’s behavior off the pitch at Brentford had raised concerns, with his commitment openly questioned in the final weeks.
Despite the controversy, his determination to secure a move to Newcastle was never in doubt. Now, he has his wish, joining the club he long admired and taking on the iconic number nine shirt at St. James’ Park.
His arrival has sparked excitement among Newcastle supporters, who view him as a player capable of delivering goals and energy in Eddie Howe’s system.
For Brentford, however, the departure has been handled with a degree of professionalism. Phil Giles, the club’s director of football, admitted that the saga played out far more publicly than he would have liked, but stressed that the decision was ultimately made in the best interest of the club.
Speaking to Brentford’s official channels, Giles praised Wissa for the impact he had made since arriving in West London. He highlighted the forward’s evolution from a wide player into a central striker, noting how he thrived in the number nine role last season and became a key figure in the squad.
Giles also spoke warmly about Wissa’s character, describing him as someone with a positive influence on both teammates and fans.
He acknowledged the emotions involved in such transfers but emphasized that when decisions of this magnitude are made, personal feelings must be set aside.
In his view, it was essential to focus on what benefits the club as a whole, both on and off the pitch. While he admitted that it was frustrating to see private matters spill into the public domain, Giles insisted that Brentford acted with the club’s long-term future in mind.
The transfer was not without its drama, particularly from Wissa’s side. He had already distanced himself from Brentford during pre-season, refusing to feature in matches and removing all references to the Bees from his social media platforms.
His actions signaled his desire for a fresh start, and he made it clear that he had been assured of an exit during the summer window. That promise was finally fulfilled on deadline day, ending weeks of tension between player and club.
After sealing the move, Wissa turned to social media to issue a farewell message to Brentford supporters. While brief, the statement served as an acknowledgment of the bond he had built with the fans during his time there.
Despite the messy ending, his contributions on the pitch will not be forgotten. He had been a vital part of Brentford’s rise and success in recent years, and his goals, energy, and flair left a lasting mark on the club.
| Category | At Brentford | At Newcastle (Expectations) |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Shifted from wide forward to central striker | Lead attacker, support Isak, fill key striker role |
| Goals Contribution | Strong Premier League season, double figures | Expected to score consistently and provide finishing power |
| Influence | Positive character, well-liked by teammates and fans | Bring energy, goals, and leadership wearing the No. 9 shirt |
| Transfer Value | Bought at modest fee, sold for £55m | One of Newcastle’s most expensive signings, must justify fee |
For Newcastle, the signing of Wissa represents both ambition and urgency. The club was determined to add depth and firepower in attack, and despite the inflated fee, they now have a player entering his prime with proven Premier League experience.
For Brentford, the deal reflects their commitment to making the right calls for the long-term stability of the club, even when emotions and public pressure are high.
In the end, both parties got what they wanted, and Yoane Wissa now faces the challenge of living up to the weight of expectation that comes with being Newcastle’s new number nine.