Newcastle United are set to complete the deadline-day signing of Brentford striker Yoane Wissa, after a lengthy saga involving the 29-year-old forward.
Following the reaching of an agreement over the £125million sale of Alexander Isak to Liverpool overnight, another striker incoming felt inevitable on Tyneside.
The Magpies have maintained their stance all summer that the Swede would only leave if two strikers arrived through the door.
Following the club record buy of Germany under-21 international Nick Woltemade, Eddie Howe now looks set to complete his checklist of attacking arrivals.
Fabrizio Romano gave the deal his well-known “Here We Go” seal of approval, reporting that a £55 million package has been agreed between the two clubs for the sale of Wissa.
Light At The End Of The Tunnel For Newcastle United
When the dust settled on gameweek three of the new Premier League season, focus shifted to one of the most eagerly anticipated deadline days in years.
With Isak and Wissa both going public with their desire to leave their respective clubs, something had to give with time ticking away.
Newcastle are yet to win in the league so far this season, with their struggles at the top of the pitch clear for all to see. Callum Wilson scored his first West Ham goal over the weekend following his Newcastle exit, while the Geordies huffed and puffed in their 0-0 at Elland Road.
However, a summer of failed striker bids and extreme frustration looks set for some much-needed relief. With Woltemade signed on, Yoane Wissa is on his way to complete his dream move to the North East.
How Will Wissa Fit In At Newcastle?
A common narrative during the first three weeks of the season amongst many Newcastle fans is that Isak’s stance cost them valuable points in their goalless draws with Aston Villa and Leeds United.
Wissa, who scored 19 Premier League goals last season, could have made all the difference. The Democratic Republic of Congo international was watching from the sidelines as the Bees began with a mixed start to the campaign.
With the two wantaway goal machines finally getting their way, at least focus will now solely be on the football.
Squad depth is vital for Eddie Howe this season, with his side preparing to compete on the domestic and European front in 2025/26. Not to mention the small matter of a Carabao Cup title to defend.
At the age of 29, it’s understandable that Wissa has his heart set on what may be his final chance at a Champions League move.
Having made his name in West London as a pacey and technically gifted frontman, Wissa has the potential to perfectly complement 6’6 Nick Woltemade.
He struck up an irresistible partnership with Bryan Mbeumo across multiple Premier League seasons. Newcastle fans will hope for something very similar with their new German giant.
Brentford Summer Exodus Continues
Brentford’s preseason began with the departure of manager Thomas Frank, who took the vacant role at Tottenham Hotspur. This set in motion a raft of exits, as Christian Norgaard and Bryan Mbeumo subsequently left for Arsenal and Manchester United, respectively.
Despite the setbacks, Brentford ploughed ahead with finding replacements, with Dango Outtara and Igor Thiago already looking like able successors.
Their stubborn display in a 1-0 victory over Aston Villa at the GTEC Community Stadium provided scope for genuine optimism for Brentford supporters.
While they are sure to suffer the effects of losing last season’s 19-goal man, the eagerly awaited clarity may come as welcome relief for Keith Andrews.
The Bees will need to rely on their trademark togetherness as they begin life without last season’s main protagonists.