Heartbreak for Yoane Wissa ahead of anticipated Newcastle debut

The task of replacing a record-breaking goalscorer is never an easy one, but for Newcastle United, the solution arrived in the form of a double signing designed to cover both the immediate and long-term future.

While the excitement surrounding club-record acquisition Nick Woltemade is understandably high, it is the other new forward, Yoane Wissa, who brings a sense of ready-made Premier League assurance.

His recent performances on international duty have provided the Magpies faithful with an encouraging, if ultimately heartbreaking, preview of what he can offer.

While Woltemade used the break to acclimate to his new surroundings after a challenging pair of games for Germany, Wissa was busy getting crucial match fitness with DR Congo.

Having been omitted from Brentford’s squad amid the transfer speculation, these World Cup qualifiers were vital for sharpening his instincts and rebuilding his rhythm.

The early evidence suggests the time was well spent. In a dominant win over South Sudan, Wissa was directly involved in two goals, scoring one and setting up another with the kind of clinical efficiency that made him a standout at Brentford.

He carried that form into a much tougher fixture against a Senegalese side packed with elite talent. It was there that he provided a moment of pure, unscripted joy, doubling DR Congo’s lead with a well-taken goal before sprinting to the bench and launching himself into a celebratory stage-dive among his teammates.

That raw, emotional outburst showed a player playing with confidence and heart, qualities that will endear him to the St. James’ Park crowd.

However, the story of the match took a cruel turn. That overwhelming joy soon turned to despair as Senegal mounted a stunning comeback to snatch victory, a result that severely dents DR Congo’s qualification hopes.

For Wissa, the personal triumph of his performance was overshadowed by collective heartbreak. To compound the anxiety of Newcastle fans, his second-half substitution sparked unfounded online speculation about a potential injury.

Thankfully, it is understood the change was tactical and he is expected to be fully fit and available for selection this weekend.

For manager Eddie Howe, Wissa’s international displays only reinforce the logic behind his signing.

At 29 years old and with a proven track record of 19 Premier League goals last season, he represents the closest thing to a guaranteed return the club could find.

He is a ‘plug-in-and-play’ striker who understands the league’s demands and possesses the movement and finishing ability to make an immediate impact.

This reliability is likely why, in a recent fan poll, the majority of supporters backed him over Woltemade to start against Wolverhampton Wanderers, prioritizing proven experience over exciting potential.

Wissa himself seems to understand the significance of this move. In his first words as a Newcastle player, he spoke not just of excitement, but of dreams and faith.

“I’m really happy to be here and to sign for one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League,” he stated. “I’ve got dreams, I’ve got faith, and now I will do my best to make it all happen.” This blend of ambition and humility is exactly what the fanbase wants to hear.

Though his time with his national team ended in disappointment, Yoane Wissa returns to Tyneside having answered any questions about his match readiness.

He arrives sharp, confident, and desperate to get started. For a team searching for its first win of the season, his proven quality might be the perfect catalyst to kickstart their campaign.