Report: What Newcastle United staff love about Yoane Wissa already
The final day of the transfer window is often a whirlwind of last-minute negotiations and calculated risks, and for Newcastle United, the decision to sign Yoane Wissa from Brentford for £55 million was exactly that.
While the fee was undoubtedly high, the early signs from within the club’s training ground suggest it could be a move that pays off in more ways than one.
Beyond the obvious need for a proven goal scorer to fill the void left by departed stars, the staff at Newcastle are already appreciating the deeper qualities Wissa brings to the squad—attributes that make him far more than just a simple replacement.
What has struck coaches and personnel most is his remarkable versatility. While officially signed as a striker, Wissa is equally comfortable operating out wide, a tactical flexibility that provides manager Eddie Howe with valuable options.
This allows for different formations and strategies; Howe could deploy him alongside record-signing Nick Woltemade in a traditional front two, or use him to stretch defenses from the wing, creating space for others.
This adaptability is a manager’s dream, especially during a long season with inevitable injuries and suspensions.
But it’s his physical profile that has truly turned heads during his first training sessions. The club’s analysts had highlighted his “power and running ability,” and seeing it up close has only reinforced their belief.
His explosive pace and relentless energy are a perfect match for the high-intensity, pressing style that Howe demands from his team.
He isn’t just a finisher; he is the first line of defense, a player who will tirelessly close down opponents and win possession high up the pitch, setting the tone for the entire team.
Perhaps most importantly for a squad that has been plagued by injuries in recent seasons, Wissa offers something incredibly valuable: reliability. His consistent availability was a major factor in the decision to sign him.
In a way, he addresses two departures at once he brings the goal threat of Alexander Isak and the durability that was often missing from Callum Wilson’s game. This dependability reduces risk and provides a stable foundation for the attacking unit to build upon.
For Eddie Howe, who personally pushed for the deal, Wissa represents the ideal blend of immediate impact and strategic fit.
He is a known quantity in the Premier League, a player who requires no adaptation period and understands the league’s unique demands.
This takes immense pressure off the younger Woltemade, allowing the German talent the time he needs to settle in without being thrust into the spotlight prematurely.
In his first interview, Howe praised not only Wissa’s goal-scoring but also the “crucial work he does for the team.” This holistic view of his contribution is what the club is most excited about.
They haven’t just signed a goal scorer; they’ve signed a modern, multifaceted attacker whose work rate, physicality, and tactical intelligence will elevate the entire team’s performance.
The price tag was steep, but the early consensus at the training ground is that Yoane Wissa brings a complete package that justifies the investment.
