Brentford manager Keith Andrews has publicly expressed his strong desire to retain star forward Yoane Wissa, despite ongoing interest from Newcastle United and the player’s push for a transfer. Speaking ahead of Brentford’s Premier League clash with Aston Villa, Andrews was unequivocal, stating, “I don’t want to lose Wissa. He’s a key part of our squad, and we’re building something here. His quality and goals are vital for us.” The comments come as Wissa, who scored 19 Premier League goals last season, continues to agitate for a move to St. James’ Park, having removed all Brentford references from his social media and skipped the team’s 3-1 opening-day loss to Nottingham Forest.
The 28-year-old DR Congo international, who has one year left on his contract with an option for an additional year, has been the subject of multiple bids from Newcastle, with the latest £40 million offer (£35m plus £5m in add-ons) rejected by Brentford, who value him between £50m and £60m. Wissa, believing he was assured a potential exit this summer, has trained separately and even left Brentford’s pre-season camp in Portugal early to push for the transfer.
Despite the signing of Dango Ouattara from Bournemouth as a replacement for the departed Bryan Mbeumo, Brentford remain reluctant to lose both of their top scorers from last season, who combined for 39 of the team’s 66 Premier League goals.
Andrews acknowledged the situation’s complexity, noting, “It’s a day-by-day thing with Wiss. He’s a top player, and we’re working to resolve this, but I want him here.” Brentford’s stance is strengthened by their option to extend Wissa’s contract, but the player’s determination to join Newcastle, where he sees a chance to play Champions League football, has created tension. The Bees have also lost head coach Thomas Frank to Tottenham, captain Christian Norgaard to Arsenal, and goalkeeper Mark Flekken this summer, making Wissa’s potential exit a significant blow.
With the transfer window nearing its close, Newcastle are reportedly considering other targets, but Wissa remains their priority to bolster Eddie Howe’s attack, especially amid uncertainty over Alexander Isak’s future. Brentford, meanwhile, is eyeing replacements like Ipswich’s Omari Hutchinson, but Andrews is clear: keeping Wissa is his preference. Whether the club can convince their star forward to stay or secure a fee meeting their valuation remains to be seen.Sources: The Athletic, BBC Sport, Sky Sports, The Guardian
The 28-year-old DR Congo international, who has one year left on his contract with an option for an additional year, has been the subject of multiple bids from Newcastle, with the latest £40 million offer (£35m plus £5m in add-ons) rejected by Brentford, who value him between £50m and £60m. Wissa, believing he was assured a potential exit this summer, has trained separately and even left Brentford’s pre-season camp in Portugal early to push for the transfer.
Despite the signing of Dango Ouattara from Bournemouth as a replacement for the departed Bryan Mbeumo, Brentford remain reluctant to lose both of their top scorers from last season, who combined for 39 of the team’s 66 Premier League goals.
Andrews acknowledged the situation’s complexity, noting, “It’s a day-by-day thing with Wiss. He’s a top player, and we’re working to resolve this, but I want him here.” Brentford’s stance is strengthened by their option to extend Wissa’s contract, but the player’s determination to join Newcastle, where he sees a chance to play Champions League football, has created tension. The Bees have also lost head coach Thomas Frank to Tottenham, captain Christian Norgaard to Arsenal, and goalkeeper Mark Flekken this summer, making Wissa’s potential exit a significant blow.
With the transfer window nearing its close, Newcastle are reportedly considering other targets, but Wissa remains their priority to bolster Eddie Howe’s attack, especially amid uncertainty over Alexander Isak’s future. Brentford, meanwhile, is eyeing replacements like Ipswich’s Omari Hutchinson, but Andrews is clear: keeping Wissa is his preference. Whether the club can convince their star forward to stay or secure a fee meeting their valuation remains to be seen.Sources: The Athletic, BBC Sport, Sky Sports, The Guardian
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