Yoane Wissa has demanded to leave Brentford before the transfer deadline, issuing a public statement that puts Newcastle United on alert as they keep trying to land the wantaway striker.
Newcastle have had multiple bids rejected for the 28-year-old this summer, but Wissa declared on Sunday that the Bees are “unduly standing in his way” despite what he says were written assurances he could depart if a fair offer arrived. Brentford have not commented on Wissa’s claims for now.
“I want to leave Brentford,”
Wissa wrote. “The club confirmed to me and my representatives that they would not stand in my way if a reasonable offer was received. This was also put in writing. Yet as the window comes to an end, the club has changed its position.”
Wissa, who joined Brentford in 2021, has scored 49 goals in 149 appearances but has missed all of this season’s games amid a holdout waiting for a transfer to Tyneside.
Wissa said he remains respectful toward the club and supporters but insisted Brentford must “honour their promise” and allow him to move, given Newcastle’s financial efforts and already-rejected attempts to free him from his current club.
Newcastle have already signed Germany striker Nick Woltemade in a £70m record deal and remain in the market for a second forward, with Wissa the most logical target as he’d offer a much different skill set to that of the German giant.
Newcastle’s pursuit of Wissa comes as Liverpool prepare a new, improved bid for the Magpies’ own wantaway striker, Alexander Isak, whose sale Newcastle have said would only be allowed once two forwards have been secured and joined the club.
Liverpool’s £110m bid for Isak was rejected earlier this month, but a new offer is expected before Monday’s deadline, probably in the £125-135 million range.
