BBC: Tottenham Target Leaves Training Camp as Club Accelerate Deal

Brentford striker Yoane Wissa has sparked major transfer speculation after departing the club’s pre-season training camp, amid growing uncertainty over his long-term future at the Gtech Community Stadium. According to BBC journalist Sami Mokbel, Premier League rivals Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur have now accelerated their interest in signing the prolific forward, as the race for his signature begins to heat up.

 

The 28-year-old DR Congo international was one of the standout performers in the Premier League during the 2024/25 season, registering an impressive 19 goals in just 35 appearances. His electric pace, clinical finishing, and ability to lead the line have drawn admiration from top clubs across England, with several seeing him as an ideal attacking reinforcement this summer.

 

Despite Wissa’s eye-catching form, Brentford are reluctant to part ways with another one of their key players. The west London outfit has already endured a difficult summer in the transfer market, losing manager Thomas Frank to Tottenham Hotspur, midfield dynamo Christian Norgaard to Arsenal, and forward partner Bryan Mbeumo to Manchester United. With that level of upheaval, the club’s hierarchy is determined to avoid further weakening the squad, and have reportedly slapped a valuation of over £50 million on Wissa in an effort to deter suitors.

 

However, the transfer saga has taken a new twist. Wissa is understood to be unsettled by the mounting interest in him and is expected to meet with Brentford’s director of football, Phil Giles, in the coming days to discuss his options and clarify where he stands in the club’s plans. His exit from the training camp in Portugal has only intensified speculation that a move could be imminent.

 

Earlier in the transfer window, Nottingham Forest tested Brentford’s resolve with an official bid, but the offer was swiftly rejected. Forest, however, remain in the picture and could return with an improved proposal, especially as they can offer European football for the upcoming 2025/26 campaign — a significant incentive for any potential signing.

 

Newcastle United, meanwhile, have emerged as serious contenders to land Wissa. Following their failure to secure Hugo Ekitike — who is now on the verge of joining Liverpool — the Magpies have turned their full attention to the Brentford star. Reports suggest Wissa has already agreed personal terms with the Tyneside club, with Eddie Howe eager to bolster his attacking options as the club looks to re-establish itself as a top-four contender.

 

But Newcastle are not alone in their pursuit. Tottenham Hotspur, under new head coach Thomas Frank, are also in the hunt. Frank is keen to reunite with the striker he once developed into a Premier League goal threat, and Spurs are reportedly in a strong position to convince Wissa to move to north London. Sources close to the player indicate that he would be open to rejoining his former boss at Tottenham, where a more familiar playing style and environment could help him settle quickly. Personal terms are not expected to be a stumbling block for Spurs either.

 

With three Premier League clubs circling and Wissa’s future now uncertain, Brentford find themselves in a difficult position. While they are hopeful that clear-the-air talks with the player can help calm the situation and reintegrate him into the squad when they return from their pre-season trip, there is growing concern that their efforts may be too late.

 

As the summer transfer window progresses, Yoane Wissa’s situation will be one to closely monitor. Whether he remains a key figure at Brentford or departs for a new challenge at Tottenham, Newcastle, or Nottingham Forest, it’s clear that his next move could have significant ramifications — both for his career and the clubs involved. For now, the only certainty is that the battle for Wissa’s signature is far from over.