Newcastle United has reportedly received a significant boost in their ongoing pursuit of highly-rated forward Yoane Wissa, as a key rival club appears to have dramatically altered its stance on his availability. This development could reshape Newcastle’s transfer strategy as they continue to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season, particularly in the striking department.
Initially, Brentford had adopted a firm position regarding Wissa, with their Director of Football, Phil Giles, unequivocally informing Newcastle that the 28-year-old was not for sale unless an offer exceeding £50 million was presented. This valuation was notably high, especially considering the player’s contractual situation, which sees him with less than a year remaining on his current deal.
Despite the looming contract expiry, Brentford does possess an option to trigger an extension, providing them with some leverage in negotiations. However, recent developments indicate a shift, as Wissa has not been actively participating in first-team training and was conspicuously absent from the club’s recent pre-season fixture against QPR.
Sources close to the situation suggest that both Brentford and Wissa are now actively working towards facilitating his exit from the club during the August transfer window. The forward himself is understood to be prioritizing a move to a club participating in the prestigious Champions League, a significant factor influencing his current career trajectory.
This apparent softening of Brentford’s rigid stance marks a considerable advantage for the Tyneside club, who are actively seeking to acquire at least two new strikers to bolster their attacking options. The potential availability of a player of Wissa’s caliber on more favorable terms would align perfectly with Newcastle United’s strategic goals for the transfer window.
Furthermore, the ongoing saga surrounding another prominent striker target, Benjamin Sesko, adds another layer of complexity to Newcastle’s transfer activities. Despite widespread reports suggesting Sesko has already committed to either Manchester United or another suitor, it is understood that the Slovenian international has yet to make a definitive decision.
Should Sesko ultimately opt for Old Trafford, it would represent yet another significant setback for Newcastle in what has proven to be an exceptionally challenging transfer window. The club has encountered numerous hurdles in securing their primary targets, making the recent positive turn in the Yoane Wissa transfer negotiations all the more crucial.
The current fluidity in the transfer market underscores the dynamic nature of football negotiations, where club valuations, player ambitions, and competitive pressures constantly evolve. For Newcastle, securing a quality forward like Wissa could be instrumental in achieving their seasonal objectives and maintaining their competitive edge in the Premier League.