Yoane Wissa has reiterated his desire to leave Brentford this summer, with the forward determined to pursue Champions League football, Softfootball understands.
The 27-year-old has made it clear to the club’s hierarchy that he does not intend to return to training as he seeks to force a move away from the Gtech Community Stadium. Sources close to the player say he views this summer as a critical moment in his career and wants to take the next step in European football.
According to transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, via his official X handle revealed that Wissa plans to leave the London side for St. James Park.
Fabrizio wrote:
“Yoane Wissa has informed again today Brenford management about his desire to leave the club.
“He doesn’t want to return to training, insisting to leave and get Champions League opportunity.
“Newcastle remain in active talks with Wissa while they also work on Šeško deal.”
Newcastle United have remained in active talks with Wissa’s representatives, and discussions with Brentford are understood to be progressing.
While the Magpies are also pursuing RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Šeško, the club views Wissa as a versatile option who can operate across the front line and offer a different attacking profile.
Brentford are reluctant to lose the Congolese international, who scored nine goals across all competitions last season. However, with just two years left on his contract and the player now pushing publicly for a move, the West London club may be forced to consider offers.
New manager Steve Cooper is believed to have spoken with key senior players, including Wissa, earlier in pre-season, but attempts to convince the forward to stay have proven unsuccessful. The player’s camp has pointed to a desire to test himself at the highest level, particularly with Brentford not competing in Europe.
For Newcastle, the pursuit of Wissa comes amid a summer of tactical recalibration. Eddie Howe is looking to add pace, directness, and depth to a forward line that struggled with consistency last term.
With Champions League qualifiers looming, the club is keen to bring in players who are both experienced and physically ready to contribute immediately.
Brentford are expected to demand over £25 million for Wissa, though negotiations remain ongoing. A resolution is likely to hinge on Newcastle’s movement on other attacking targets, with Šeško and Wissa emerging as the two priority names in the club’s shortlist.
Meanwhile, Newcastle has maintained its stance on its aggrieved striker, Alexander Isak, who has refused to resume the club’s training. Softfootball reported Isak’s boycott of the Magpies’ activity, having seen training at Real Sociedad.
The recent information is that Newcastle is holding to the value of Isak, which is around £150 million; this valuation is reportedly based on his impressive performances at the club.
