Newcastle United have turned their attention to Brentford forward Yoane Wissa after seeing their £70 million bid for Hugo Ekitike rejected by Eintracht Frankfurt. The Magpies are in the market for attacking reinforcements and may now push ahead with a move for the Congo international.
Softfootball reported earlier that Newcastle had hoped to land Ekitike with a record-breaking offer, but the Bundesliga side rejected the approach, and Liverpool’s growing interest in the Frenchman has complicated matters further. With Ekitike slipping out of reach, Newcastle are exploring alternative options and Wissa is now firmly on their radar.
Wissa, 28, is entering the final year of his contract at Brentford and is reportedly valued at around £30 million, though other sources suggest the price tag could rise as high as £40 million due to growing interest. The Congolese forward enjoyed an impressive campaign last season, netting 19 goals in 35 Premier League appearances.
ESPN reported earlier in the window that Nottingham Forest submitted a £25 million bid for Wissa, which Brentford rejected. Manchester United were also linked, with former England international Stuart Pearce reportedly advising the club to consider Wissa. However, United’s attention appears to be more focused on completing a deal for Bryan Mbeumo Wissa’s Brentford teammate.
Tottenham had Wissa on their shortlist earlier this summer, but their recent signing of Mohammed Kudus from West Ham has reduced the urgency to pursue another forward.
Any deal for Wissa could have ripple effects across the Premier League. Brentford are reluctant to lose both Wissa and Mbeumo in one window, especially after already parting ways with head coach Thomas Frank and captain Christian Norgaard.
Selling both attackers would strip the club of a significant chunk of their firepower. Brentford are wary of gambling on new signings who may not immediately deliver, especially with the upcoming season promising to be as competitive as ever.
Newcastle’s intent to add firepower is clear. Should they push through a deal for Wissa, it could severely complicate Manchester United’s pursuit of Mbeumo and Brentford’s efforts to rebuild their squad.
