BREAKING NEWS: Newcastle United Plot a swap deal on Brentford winger Yoane Wissa
As the Premier League’s 2025/26 season fast approaches, Newcastle United are stepping up their transfer efforts in a bid to strengthen their squad and push for domestic and European success. Despite having already signed Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest, it’s been a challenging transfer window for the Magpies, with several of their key targets opting to join rival Premier League clubs. However, with the window still open until Monday, September 1st, the club remains hopeful of securing more reinforcements.
Eddie Howe’s side, buoyed by their return to the UEFA Champions League, are eager to build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts. They begin their league campaign with a tough away fixture against Aston Villa in the Midlands, followed by a mouth-watering home clash against reigning champions Liverpool — a baptism of fire that highlights the importance of adding depth and quality to their roster.
Wissa Emerges as a Key Target for Newcastle United
According to talkSPORT, Brentford’s Yoane Wissa has emerged as a prime target for Newcastle. Howe is reportedly eager to add the Congolese winger to his attacking ranks as he looks to increase competition and tactical variety in the final third. Wissa, who joined Brentford from FC Lorient in 2021, has made a significant impact in West London and is now attracting interest from several top-flight clubs.
The 28-year-old has just one year remaining on his contract, which puts Brentford in a tricky position. Unless the Bees can tie him down to a new deal, they risk losing one of their most influential players on a free transfer next summer. That scenario makes the prospect of a sale during this window increasingly likely, especially given rising interest from clubs like Newcastle.
Wissa’s numbers speak for themselves. With 49 goals in 149 appearances for Brentford — including a remarkable 20-goal haul last season — he has proven to be a clinical and dynamic forward. Known for his pace, directness, and ability to operate across the front line, Wissa could provide Newcastle with the kind of explosive edge they’ve lacked in certain matches. His international experience, having earned 33 caps for DR Congo, adds further weight to his appeal.
Newcastle Considering Player-Plus-Cash Deal Involving Harvey Barnes
To unlock a deal for Wissa, Newcastle are reportedly considering a player-plus-cash swap deal — with Harvey Barnes potentially heading to the Brentford Community Stadium as part of the arrangement. Barnes, who joined the Magpies from Leicester City in 2023, has had a somewhat inconsistent spell at St. James’ Park. While he has shown glimpses of his talent, the arrival of Elanga may further limit his minutes on the pitch this season.
Newcastle may view Barnes as expendable, especially if his departure can help secure a player of Wissa’s calibre. From Brentford’s perspective, Barnes could be a ready-made replacement for both Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo, who is also being linked with a move away. Brentford’s new head coach Keith Andrews — who succeeded Thomas Frank after his move to Tottenham Hotspur — may also have a soft spot for Barnes, having worked with him during his coaching stint at MK Dons.
Barnes Could Thrive Under New Management at Brentford
A move to Brentford could rejuvenate Barnes’ career. The 26-year-old winger, who has 14 goals in 63 appearances for Newcastle, struggled initially after leaving Leicester but found better form last season. Still, he faces stiff competition for a starting spot in Howe’s evolving system. A transfer to Brentford, where he would likely be a central figure in the attack, could offer him the consistent game time and fresh environment needed to rediscover his best football.
Barnes, a product of the Leicester City academy, has already enjoyed a rich career that includes 187 appearances and 45 goals for the Foxes. He also developed his game through loan spells at MK Dons, Barnsley, and West Bromwich Albion. His previous connection with Andrews at MK Dons adds another layer of logic to a potential swap. For Brentford, acquiring a Premier League-proven winger in exchange for a soon-to-be out-of-contract Wissa could be a smart piece of business.
Conclusion: A Win-Win Scenario for Both Clubs
As the clock ticks down on the summer transfer window, a blockbuster swap deal between Newcastle United and Brentford involving Harvey Barnes and Yoane Wissa could offer both clubs the chance to strengthen their squads in a mutually beneficial manner.
Newcastle would land a versatile and high-performing attacker with Champions League potential, while Brentford would secure a talented winger already familiar with their new manager’s methods. With negotiations expected to heat up in the coming days, this proposed deal could be one of the most intriguing and strategic moves of the transfer window.
If executed successfully, it could reshape the attacking options for both clubs heading into what promises to be a highly competitive Premier League campaign.