Newcastle's £25m Wissa Bid Rejected But Second Offer Expected Amid Champions League Pursuit

Brentford Resist Initial Approach for Wissa

Brentford has turned down a £25 million offer from Newcastle United for star striker Yoane Wissa, with sources indicating a higher second bid is likely imminent. The 28-year-old returned to the UK early from pre-season training to discuss his future amid the growing interest from the Magpies.

Champions League Ambitions Drive Wissa’s Desire

Wissa, who scored 19 Premier League goals last season as Brentford’s primary striker, is eager to play Champions League football next term. With Newcastle positioning themselves as contenders for Europe’s elite competition after missing out on Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike—now en route to Liverpool for a reported £79 million—Wissa sees the club as his ideal destination.

Brentford’s Reluctance and Financial Considerations

The Bees are resistant to parting ways with their talismanic forward, particularly after selling fellow star Bryan Mbeumo to Manchester United for up to £71 million last week. Reports suggest Brentford value Wissa between £30 million and £40 million, though the club had previously rejected a similar £25 million offer from Nottingham Forest earlier in the window.

Strategic Challenges for Brentford’s New Regime

Sky Sports analyst Ron Walker highlighted Brentford’s precarious position: “After losing Mbeumo and their head coach, convincing Wissa to stay will be critical. New manager Keith Andrews faces the unenviable task of balancing player retention with squad rebuilding ahead of their Premier League opener.”

With negotiations ongoing, Wissa’s camp remains open to negotiations, but Brentford insists only a significantly improved offer will persuade them to part with their key striker. The impasse underscores the financial and sporting complexities of a potential departure.