‘I am told’: What Yoane Wissa is now saying after Liverpool attempt to hijack Newcastle United deal – Keith Downie

The summer transfer window continues to deliver its share of drama as Newcastle United find themselves in a tense battle to secure Brentford forward Yoane Wissa.

The Magpies appeared to be closing in on the 28-year-old striker, with personal terms verbally agreed and the player reportedly “desperate” to make the move to St James’ Park.

However, a late curveball has emerged in the form of Liverpool’s unexpected interest, throwing a potential spanner in the works for Eddie Howe’s transfer plans.

Wissa’s determination to join Newcastle has been evident in recent weeks. The Congolese international has deliberately skipped training sessions with Brentford, making his intentions to leave clear.

His representatives have already traveled to the UK to finalize the deal, signaling that negotiations are in their final stages. The expectation is that once Brentford complete the signing of Bournemouth’s Dango Ouattara as his replacement, Wissa’s £35 million switch to Tyneside will be given the green light.

Yet Liverpool’s sudden involvement has added an intriguing twist. The Reds, still assessing their attacking options ahead of the new season, have reportedly registered their interest in Wissa as a potential squad addition.

However, Sky Sports correspondent Keith Downie has reassured Newcastle fans that Wissa remains fully committed to joining the Magpies, dismissing any notion of a last-minute hijack.

“Wissa has verbally agreed personal terms, and there are no issues there,” Downie revealed. “He’s desperate to come here. I was told Liverpool have shown late interest, but that doesn’t change anything his mind is made up. Newcastle is his destination. He wants to play at St James’ Park and compete in the Champions League.”

For Newcastle, securing Wissa’s signature cannot come soon enough. Their pre-season defeat to Atletico Madrid highlighted the squad’s lingering deficiencies, particularly in attack. With Alexander Isak’s future shrouded in uncertainty reports suggest the Swedish striker is refusing to play amid transfer speculation Howe urgently needs reinforcements.

Youngster William Osula has struggled to make an impact as a temporary solution, leaving Newcastle dangerously short of proven firepower up front.

Wissa’s arrival would provide an immediate remedy. The Brentford forward enjoyed his most prolific Premier League campaign last season, netting 19 goals and proving himself as a composed finisher.

His ability to lead the line or operate in wider roles offers tactical flexibility, something Howe values highly. More importantly, his experience and goal threat would ease the burden on a squad already stretched by European commitments.

While Liverpool’s interest could have derailed the deal under different circumstances, Wissa’s clear preference for Newcastle means the Magpies remain in pole position.

The player’s eagerness to embrace the project on Tyneside, combined with the lure of Champions League football, appears to have outweighed any late temptation from Anfield.

For Brentford, the situation is straightforward—once they secure Ouattara’s signature, Wissa’s departure seems inevitable.

For Newcastle, his signing would represent a crucial step in addressing their attacking woes. And for Wissa himself, this move offers the chance to step into the spotlight at a club with soaring ambitions.

As the transfer window enters its decisive phase, all signs point to Wissa becoming a Newcastle player. But in football, few deals are truly done until the paperwork is signed.

For now, the Magpies can breathe a little easier knowing their top target remains fully committed—even if Liverpool tried to crash the party at the eleventh hour.