£40m striker keen on Newcastle United move – ‘personal terms not an issue’
Newcastle United Eye Wissa as Striker Hunt Continues Amid Transfer Setbacks
Newcastle United have identified Brentford forward Yoane Wissa as a serious target as the club continues to wrestle with transfer frustrations in their search for a new striker. The departure of Callum Wilson has left a significant void behind Alexander Isak, who now stands as the Magpies’ only senior centre-forward. Eddie Howe and his recruitment team are working to fill the gap but have been met with a series of setbacks.
Having already missed out on young striker Liam Delap and Brazilian forward Joao Pedro—both of whom opted for moves to Chelsea—Newcastle were hopeful of landing Hugo Ekitike. The club tabled a club-record £69 million bid for the Frenchman last week, but Eintracht Frankfurt turned down the offer. With Liverpool now in advanced talks for Ekitike, having turned their attention to him after being informed that Alexander Isak was not for sale, Newcastle have been forced to look elsewhere.
Wissa Emerges as an Attainable Option
That has led the Tyneside club to Yoane Wissa, who enjoyed an outstanding campaign last season. The DR Congo international scored 19 Premier League goals from open play in 35 appearances—making him the league’s top scorer excluding penalties. At 28, Wissa brings experience, sharp finishing ability, and versatility, all qualities that appeal to Howe’s setup.
Newcastle are not alone in their admiration, however. Nottingham Forest have already submitted a £25 million offer for the Brentford forward, while Tottenham Hotspur—now managed by former Brentford boss Thomas Frank—are also keen on a reunion. Spurs’ interest is understood to be serious, particularly with the club seeking more firepower following Harry Kane’s departure last year.
Wissa Valuation and Contract Situation
Sky Sports reports that Brentford value Wissa at around £30 million, although other sources suggest that the Bees may demand closer to £40 million. The player turns 29 in September and is entering the final year of his contract, though Brentford hold an option to extend it through to 2027.
Despite the club’s attempt to initiate contract talks and secure his long-term future, Wissa is reportedly uninterested in signing fresh terms. According to BBC Sport, he has made it clear behind the scenes that he intends to explore opportunities elsewhere. This unwillingness to renew his contract could push Brentford into reluctantly agreeing to a sale.
The Bees are already facing a significant summer overhaul. Having sanctioned the £71 million transfer of Bryan Mbeumo to Manchester United, and seen head coach Thomas Frank leave for Tottenham alongside the departure of club captain Christian Norgaard to Arsenal, Brentford are understandably reluctant to lose yet another key figure in Wissa.
Newcastle’s Summer Struggles and Howe’s Frustration
So far, Newcastle have only managed to bring in one new signing—Anthony Elanga, acquired from Nottingham Forest in a £55 million deal. The lack of additional arrivals is beginning to raise concerns, particularly after a heavy 4-0 pre-season defeat to Celtic.
Speaking after that match, manager Eddie Howe gave an honest assessment of the club’s transfer activity—or lack thereof—this summer.
“Yes, I wish I could give you clarity. I wish I could give you some kind of guarantee that all that’s going to happen, but I can’t,” Howe admitted. “My wish was for us to do our business early, and we certainly tried, but it wasn’t to be. We’ve had a frustrating time losing targets to other clubs. I’d be very open about that—it’s happened several times.”
Howe emphasized that the club is seeking more than just technical ability in their new recruits. “In order for a transfer to really work, the player has to be desperate to come to your club,” he said. “If we don’t get that desire, the transfer won’t work. We’re looking for players who are good enough, eager to join us, and capable of making a real difference—but such players are in short supply.”
Despite the challenges, Howe remains hopeful that Newcastle will be able to bring in additional reinforcements before the season begins. “We’re confident we can get more players in to strengthen the squad. We’re very aware of the need, and we’re trying as hard as we can to make that happen.”
As the Magpies continue to explore their options in the transfer market, Wissa could become the next major name to arrive at St. James’ Park—provided Brentford’s valuation can be met and the player remains committed to leaving West London.