Yoane Wissa’s Newcastle move almost collapsed 30 seconds before transfer deadline

The final day of the transfer window is always a dramatic affair, but for Yoane Wissa and Newcastle United, the events of this past Monday unfolded with the tension of a thriller, going right down to the very last second.

After a summer-long pursuit filled with frustration and public statements, the striker’s dream move from Brentford to Tyneside was finally completed, but it was a far closer call than anyone could have imagined.

For months, Wissa had made his desire to join Newcastle perfectly clear. Growing increasingly frustrated as Brentford rejected two formal offers from the Magpies, the 28-year-old felt he had no choice but to take the nuclear option.

He published a powerful and emotional statement, accusing his club of breaking promises and effectively holding him hostage by blocking his move. It was a huge gamble, a public plea designed to force Brentford’s hand as the clock ticked down toward the deadline.

The move was especially urgent for Newcastle, who needed a direct replacement for Alexander Isak after agreeing to sell their star striker to Liverpool in a separate, equally contentious, £125 million deal.

The pressure was on from all sides. Wissa, desperate for the transfer, drove up to the North East on Sunday night, hoping to be ready to finalize everything the next day.

As Monday progressed, a deal was finally agreed upon. The transfer fee was set at £55 million, and it seemed the long saga was about to have a happy ending.

However, the drama was far from over. With the official 7 p.m. deadline passing, Newcastle had to submit a special ‘deal sheet’ to the Premier League, granting them an additional two-hour extension to get all the paperwork finalized.

What followed was a scene of pure deadline-day chaos. According to reports, in the frantic final moments, it was discovered that Wissa had missed signing one crucial piece of paper.

With time literally running out, one of his representatives had to race back to get his essential signature.

The documents were submitted at the absolute last possible moment, with the Premier League reportedly ratifying the deal at 8:59 p.m.—a mere 30 seconds before the extended deadline would have expired.

It was a heart-stopping conclusion to a transfer months in the making. Despite the stress, the overwhelming emotion for the player was one of joy and excitement.

In his first interview as a Newcastle player, Wissa could not hide his delight, stating, “I’m really happy to be here and to sign for one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League.

I’m very, very excited to put on the black and white shirt. I’ve got dreams, I’ve got faith and now I will do my best to make it all happen.”

He will now wear the iconic number 9 shirt at St. James’ Park, a jersey vacated by Isak and filled with expectation. He will compete for a starting role with fellow new arrival Nick Woltemade, the club-record signing from Stuttgart.

Manager Eddie Howe expressed his delight at securing his man, praising Wissa’s proven Premier League quality, his work rate, and the exciting blend of pace and power he will bring to the team.

For Wissa, it is the culmination of a patient wait. While his former strike partner Bryan Mbeumo secured his £71 million move to Manchester United earlier in the window, Wissa was forced to play a waiting game.

Now, with 45 Premier League goals to his name from his time at Brentford, he has his chance to lead the line for a Champions League club, ready to write the next chapter of his career after a transfer that was almost lost in the final second.