Newcastle handed transfer boost for top target as rival club makes major U-turn

The Magpies’ search for attacking reinforcements has taken a significant turn as Brentford appear ready to reconsider their previously rigid position regarding Yoane Wissa’s future.

The DR Congo international, who has been frozen out of first-team training amid growing tensions with the West London club, could finally secure his desired move to St James’ Park after months of stalled negotiations.

Newcastle’s persistent interest in the 28-year-old striker dates back to July, when their initial approaches for alternative targets Bryan Mbeumo and João Pedro ended in disappointment.

Two formal bids for Wissa—the highest reaching £35 million including add-ons—were swiftly rejected by Brentford’s hierarchy, who maintained a £50 million valuation despite the player entering the final year of his contract.

However, the situation has evolved dramatically in recent days, with the Bees now privately acknowledging they may need to cash in if they can secure an adequate replacement before the window closes.

Wissa’s deteriorating relationship with Brentford stems from what he perceives as a broken gentleman’s agreement.

Sources close to the player reveal he remained at the club last season out of loyalty after Ivan Toney’s departure, accepting verbal assurances that he could leave for £26 million this summer.

Brentford’s subsequent refusal to honor this understanding has led to Wissa taking drastic measures, including skipping training sessions and withdrawing from Saturday’s pre-season friendly against QPR.

His determination to force an exit reflects both personal ambition—he craves Champions League football—and frustration with how the club has handled his situation.

For Newcastle, this development arrives at a critical juncture in their transfer window. Eddie Howe’s squad requires at least two new forwards regardless of Alexander Isak’s future, with the Swedish striker himself pushing for a move to Liverpool after training separately in Spain.

The Magpies have already seen a £110 million bid for Isak rejected and face similar complications in their pursuit of Benjamin Šeško, whose potential £70 million transfer from RB Leipzig hinges on the inclusion of a sell-on clause that Newcastle are reluctant to accept.

Wissa represents a more immediate solution to Newcastle’s attacking conundrum. His Premier League pedigree—14 goals and 6 assists last season—and versatility across the frontline make him an attractive proposition, particularly given Brentford’s softening stance.

The Congolese forward’s ability to operate as both a central striker and wide attacker would provide Howe with tactical flexibility, easing the burden on Callum Wilson while offering insurance should Isak depart.

However, several obstacles remain before any deal can be finalized. Brentford’s need to secure a replacement first introduces an element of uncertainty, with the club reportedly monitoring options across Europe.

Tottenham and Nottingham Forest maintain interest in Wissa, though neither can offer Champions League football—a key factor in the player’s decision-making process.

Newcastle must also determine whether to meet Brentford’s revised asking price or negotiate closer to Wissa’s original £26 million valuation.

The broader context of Newcastle’s transfer window adds urgency to these negotiations. Having already missed out on Mbeumo, Pedro, Liam Delap, and James Trafford, the Magpies cannot afford another high-profile rejection.

Their £52 million acquisition of Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest addressed one wing position, but the squad still lacks depth in central attacking areas.

Wissa’s proven top-flight credentials make him a safer bet than unproven alternatives, though his age means he wouldn’t represent the long-term solution Šeško might offer.

As the August deadline approaches, Newcastle’s hierarchy faces pivotal decisions on multiple fronts. Resolving Isak’s future remains the priority Liverpool may yet return with an improved bid but securing Wissa’s signature would at least ensure attacking reinforcements arrive regardless of how other sagas conclude.

For Wissa, the opportunity to join a Champions League club while remaining in the Premier League represents the ideal next step in his career after three productive years at Brentford.

The coming days will reveal whether both parties can bridge the remaining gaps in valuation and timing. One certainty emerges from this protracted saga: Newcastle’s need for proven firepower has never been more pressing, and Yoane Wissa’s availability presents their clearest path to addressing it.