Yoane Wissa reacts as Newcastle United agree £40m transfer
Newcastle United Close in on £40m Capture of Aston Villa Star Jacob Ramsey
Newcastle United have reached an agreement to sign dynamic midfielder Jacob Ramsey from Premier League rivals Aston Villa, marking another significant step in their ambitious summer rebuild.
The Magpies’ midfield has been a growing area of concern in recent weeks. The £15 million departure of Sean Longstaff to Leeds United, coupled with the untimely injury to Joe Willock, left manager Eddie Howe with reduced depth and creativity in the centre of the park. Ramsey’s arrival is seen as a direct answer to that problem — and one that has been a long time in the making.
Howe has admired the 24-year-old for quite some time, with Newcastle first linked to the former England youth international back in January 2024. Now, a year and a half later, the move is finally on the brink of completion.
Ramsey is expected to arrive on Tyneside on Thursday evening, where he will undergo a medical before finalising his £40 million switch from Villa Park. Although the paperwork should be completed in time, the midfielder is not expected to feature against his former club when the two sides meet this weekend in the Premier League.
The deal makes Ramsey Newcastle’s fourth signing of a busy summer transfer window. He follows winger Anthony Elanga, brought in from Nottingham Forest; defender Malick Thiaw, signed from AC Milan; and goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who joined on loan from Southampton.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed the news in typically emphatic fashion on Instagram, posting:
> “𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐖𝐄 𝐆𝐎! Newcastle agree deal to sign Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa, all done 🤍🖤 £40m fee agreed and travel for medical later today as Ramsey wanted Newcastle despite other clubs’ effort.
New addition for Eddie Howe after Malick Thiaw… and more will follow soon ahead of Isak case solution 🔜.”
Yoane Wissa Eyes St James’ Park Switch
Romano’s post even drew a notable reaction from Brentford forward Yoane Wissa, who ‘liked’ the announcement — a gesture that has only intensified speculation linking him with a move to St James’ Park. Sources suggest the DR Congo international is eager to join Newcastle and is waiting for Brentford to secure a suitable replacement before completing the switch.
Brentford manager Keith Andrews confirmed that Wissa will play no part in his side’s Premier League opener away to Nottingham Forest on Sunday. Speaking to BBC Sport, Andrews said:
> “I’ve made a decision he is not [available]. It has been a very disrupted pre-season and the interest in Yoane is very clear.
As a head coach, I want Yoane to be in the building and be a part of the first team and the squad. I see that. But I’m very understanding of his situation. I have a very good relationship with him, and that will persist. But we have to focus on the players who are ready.”
Striker Crisis Ahead of Villa Clash
While Ramsey’s imminent arrival is a major boost, Newcastle still face a headache in the striker department. Alexander Isak, their star centre-forward, is refusing to play in an attempt to force through a big-money move to Premier League champions Liverpool. The Magpies have already turned down a £110 million offer from the Reds and are holding firm on their British-record asking price. They insist Isak will not be sold unless a replacement is secured.
With the Swede sidelined, Eddie Howe is expected to deploy Anthony Gordon in a central striking role when Newcastle travel to Villa Park for Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off.
This weekend’s clash could, therefore, be the last before a flurry of late-window business at St James’ Park — with Ramsey set to provide a fresh spark in midfield and Wissa potentially bolstering the attack in the days to come.