Newcastle in talks to secure ‘absolutely genius’ transfer – confidence growing

Newcastle United are actively working behind the scenes to complete a deal for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa as they look to reinforce their attacking options following the departure of Callum Wilson.

With Wilson leaving the club at the end of his contract, the Magpies have intensified efforts to secure a Premier League-proven forward capable of delivering consistent performances.

While Alexander Isak remains at the club and is expected to play a key role next season, Newcastle’s recruitment team has made it clear that bringing in another attacking player is a priority.

Initial attempts to sign Liam Delap and Joao Pedro fell short, with both players opting to join Chelsea. Talks also took place with Hugo Ekitike, a long-time target of the club, but once again Newcastle missed out this time due to strong interest from Liverpool, who quickly edged them out of the race.

The setbacks have forced Newcastle to shift their focus, and attention has now turned to Yoane Wissa, a player who has quietly become one of the Premier League’s more efficient forwards.

Wissa, who netted 19 Premier League goals last season, has caught the eye not only for his scoring ability but also for his versatility.

Capable of playing across the front line, he offers a dynamic option for Eddie Howe’s system. Although Newcastle saw their initial £25 million offer rejected, reports suggest an improved bid in the region of £30 million plus performance-based add-ons could unlock the deal.

There is growing optimism that negotiations are heading in a positive direction, especially as the player himself is believed to be keen on the move.

The 28-year-old DR Congo international, who turns 29 in September, has returned from Brentford’s pre-season camp in Portugal to address his future.

With the West London club experiencing a turbulent summer that saw the departure of manager Thomas Frank, captain Christian Norgaard, and star player Bryan Mbeumo, Wissa’s own exit seems increasingly plausible.

His contract is set to expire next summer, though Brentford do hold an option to extend it until 2027. That flexibility gives the Bees some leverage in negotiations, but also puts them in a position where selling now may be the wisest financial move.

Wissa’s potential arrival at St James’ Park has sparked plenty of discussion among those familiar with Newcastle’s transfer strategy.

On the Geordie Journos podcast, Jordan Cronin and Liam Kennedy agreed that signing Wissa would represent a smart piece of business. Kennedy noted that Wissa may not meet all the typical parameters Newcastle have used to evaluate targets—such as age, height, or speed but emphasized the value of acquiring a Premier League-proven player at a relatively modest price.

While Wissa has mostly operated as a winger or secondary striker, he proved last season that he can lead the line when needed.

His adaptability was especially valuable when Ivan Toney was unavailable, and his goal tally demonstrated an ability to handle pressure in a central role.

This versatility makes him a suitable alternative to Joao Pedro, albeit older and perhaps with a lower long-term ceiling. But for Newcastle, who need immediate impact rather than future potential, Wissa represents a compelling option.

Jordan Cronin supported the idea, pointing out that a £30-35 million fee for a player with Wissa’s goal record in the Premier League is a reasonable investment.

Though Wissa is nearing 30, his experience and proven ability to score in England’s top flight make him an ideal short-term addition.

He’s viewed as someone who can make an immediate difference and help the club continue progressing under Eddie Howe.

In a market that’s increasingly inflated and unpredictable, Newcastle see this as an opportunity to secure a dependable, high-output player without overpaying.

If the deal crosses the finish line, it could prove to be one of the most astute signings of the summer particularly given the challenges the Magpies have faced in landing top attacking targets so far.

Wissa’s arrival would not only add depth but also bring maturity and composure to a squad that aims to compete across all fronts next season.