Stefan Borson Drops Verdict After Newcastle Submit Yoane Wissa Compensation Claim
Newcastle United’s excitement over the summer signing of Yoane Wissa has quickly turned into frustration. The £55 million forward, brought in from Brentford on deadline day, was expected to add pace, power, and versatility to Eddie Howe’s attack.
However, fans have yet to see him in action, as Wissa has been sidelined since sustaining a serious knee injury while representing DR Congo against Senegal on September 9. The setback has ruled him out for weeks, leaving Newcastle with an early-season blow.
In light of the injury, Newcastle have filed a compensation request under FIFA’s Club Protection Programme (CPP), an insurance policy designed to reimburse clubs when players are injured during international duty and remain unavailable for over 28 consecutive days.
Under this scheme, Newcastle will have Wissa’s wages covered from October 7 until he makes his long-awaited debut. While this offers some financial relief, it hardly makes up for losing a £55 million signing before he’s kicked a ball for the club.
Former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson shared his verdict on the matter, explaining that while compensation may sound helpful, it is far from substantial in reality.
Speaking to Football Insider, Borson said the payment Newcastle will receive “isn’t material,” meaning it’s relatively insignificant compared to the player’s value.
He noted that Wissa’s extended absence makes the situation even more frustrating, emphasizing that the insurance scheme is not designed to fully reimburse clubs for the loss of such high-value players.
Borson added that there’s little Newcastle can do, as injuries sustained on international duty are an unfortunate but common part of modern football.
“Players get injured on international duty all the time,” he said, “but the amount of compensation is nominal. It’s not designed to compensate for a player of that kind of value being out for so long.”
His comments underline the financial and sporting setback Newcastle now face, particularly since Wissa was seen as a key addition to strengthen the squad’s attacking depth.
Eddie Howe recently confirmed that Wissa’s recovery has suffered a further setback, meaning fans will have to wait even longer to see him in black and white.
It’s a disappointing twist for both the club and player, especially given the excitement surrounding his arrival.
Since joining, Wissa has missed seven matches for Newcastle and didn’t feature for Brentford at all before the transfer, leaving his 2025 debut still uncertain.
While Wissa continues his rehabilitation, Newcastle have found solace in another new signing Germany international Nick Woltemade.
The 23-year-old striker joined from Stuttgart in a £69 million deal following Alexander Isak’s surprise move to Liverpool. Despite the pressure of filling big shoes, Woltemade has adapted impressively to life in the Premier League.
His goal from the penalty spot in Newcastle’s recent 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest marked his fourth goal in seven games, proving he’s already settling into Howe’s system with confidence.
The contrast between Woltemade’s immediate impact and Wissa’s unfortunate injury shows just how unpredictable football can be.
For Eddie Howe, managing such situations requires a delicate balance keeping morale high, maintaining tactical consistency, and ensuring replacements step up when needed.
While Wissa’s injury is a setback, it also provides opportunities for other attackers to make their mark.
In the bigger picture, Newcastle’s decision to pursue FIFA compensation is a smart financial move, even if the payout is minimal. Every recovered penny counts, especially as the club continues balancing Financial Fair Play regulations with its ambitions to compete at the highest level.
Yet, the real loss remains on the pitch Wissa’s dynamism, pace, and finishing ability were meant to be crucial weapons for the Magpies this season.
Ultimately, Wissa’s recovery timeline will dictate how quickly he can integrate into Howe’s evolving system.
The hope is that his determination and professionalism will see him return stronger. For now, fans must remain patient, trusting that once fit, the Congolese forward will bring the energy and flair that justified Newcastle’s £55 million investment.
As Stefan Borson rightly pointed out, financial compensation may ease the sting, but it can never replace what really matters having a fully fit player contributing to the team’s goals.
For Newcastle, the focus now shifts to managing through this difficult spell and ensuring Wissa’s eventual return becomes a comeback story worth waiting for.
