‘Keen on project’ – Fabrizio Romano hints Newcastle close to huge transfer breakthrough

Newcastle United appear to be edging closer to a major transfer breakthrough as they intensify efforts to sign Brentford striker Yoane Wissa.

After seeing an initial £25 million bid rejected, the Magpies are reportedly preparing a new offer in hopes of securing the forward’s services.

Although early reports linking Wissa to Tyneside were met with scepticism, the situation has shifted, and the deal now seems more realistic following a series of setbacks in the transfer market.

Wissa, who turns 29 in September, has emerged as a viable solution to Newcastle’s pressing need for attacking reinforcements.

Despite concerns over his upcoming absence during the Africa Cup of Nations, the DR Congo international remains a strong candidate.

His Premier League experience, versatility across the frontline, and impressive goal tally netting 19 league goals last season have strengthened his appeal to Newcastle’s recruitment team.

The club has made it clear that bringing in another forward has always been on the agenda, regardless of the uncertainty surrounding Alexander Isak’s future.

The summer transfer window hasn’t been smooth for Newcastle. Their primary targets, Liam Delap and Joao Pedro, opted for moves to Chelsea.

That forced the club to turn once again to Hugo Ekitike, a player who had previously rejected Newcastle on two occasions. In what felt like déjà vu, Ekitike spurned the Magpies a third time and is now on the verge of joining Liverpool.

With less than a month to go before the new Premier League season begins, the feeling of frustration is palpable among fans and staff alike.

To complicate matters further, Eddie Howe has added fuel to speculation surrounding Isak’s future by admitting the striker’s absence in a recent friendly was related to ongoing transfer developments.

While Howe stopped short of confirming anything, the omission raised eyebrows and underscored the need for another forward. In this context, Wissa’s name has shot up the list of priorities.

Fabrizio Romano, one of the most trusted sources in the football world, has lent credibility to the unfolding Wissa story.

According to Romano, Newcastle are serious about their pursuit and are ready to table a new bid for the Brentford striker. He added that Wissa is open to the move and sees the Newcastle project—and the opportunity to play in Europe—as attractive prospects.

Romano emphasized that negotiations are set to continue, suggesting that a deal could be struck if the Magpies meet Brentford’s valuation.

However, prying Wissa away from the Bees won’t be simple. Brentford manager Thomas Frank made it clear earlier this year that the club would demand significant compensation for any departure involving Wissa or his former teammate Bryan Mbeumo, who recently joined Manchester United.

Frank praised both players, noting their evolution into top-level performers. He acknowledged Brentford’s reputation as a selling club but insisted that any suitors would need to pay handsomely for the talent they’re acquiring.

Frank’s public comments highlight the reality Newcastle face. To land Wissa, the club must be willing to dig deep financially—a challenge they’ve previously walked away from in other negotiations due to strict wage and transfer structures.

Yet with mounting pressure to strengthen the squad before the season opener against Aston Villa, Newcastle may be willing to push the limits to secure a reliable and proven Premier League goal scorer.

With Wissa clearly interested and Brentford open to selling at the right price, the pieces are in place for a potential breakthrough.

For Newcastle, this deal would represent more than just a new signing; it would be a much-needed win in a transfer window that has so far been defined by near-misses and frustration.

If they can finalize this move, it might mark the turning point in their summer business—and inject fresh momentum as the new campaign approaches.