Yoane Wissa's Triumph Over Adversity: From Acid Attack to Newcastle Debut

Newcastle United's latest acquisition Yoane Wissa prepares for his potential debut against Wolves this weekend carrying an extraordinary story of perseverance. The £55m signing from Brentford nearly saw his Premier League dream shattered in July 2021 when an assailant threw acid in his face during a violent attack at his home.

A Test of Character

The traumatic incident, which resulted in an 18-year prison sentence for the perpetrator who also attempted to kidnap Wissa's daughter, became a defining moment in the Congolese forward's career. Former Lorient manager Christophe Pelissier recalled visiting Wissa in hospital: "Despite visible physical and mental scars, his determination to succeed shone through immediately. His refusal to surrender impressed everyone."

Against All Odds

Wissa's journey from playing before sparse crowds in France's second division to Champions League contention with Newcastle embodies his relentless drive. Former teammate Pierre-Yves Hamel noted: "He never dwelled on the attack. His focus on progressing and now thriving at the highest level is testament to his character."

"Once Yoane sets a goal, he'll move mountains to achieve it - regardless of obstacles or timelines," Hamel added.

Controversial Departure

The transfer wasn't without turbulence, as Wissa's public frustration with Brentford's reluctance to sell drew criticism from fans. BBC Sport's Brentford correspondent Ian Westbrook commented: "While we appreciate players moving to bigger clubs, the manner of his exit has tarnished his legacy here."

Wissa later clarified: "My respect for Brentford never wavered. I maintained professionalism throughout, training daily while awaiting the right moment to transition."

Newcastle's Strategic Shift

The signing marks a departure from Newcastle's recent transfer strategy, being their first major outfield signing over 25 since 2022. Manager Eddie Howe prioritized players genuinely eager to join the project, with Wissa's league-leading 19 non-penalty goals last season making him an ideal candidate to bolster their attack.

As Wissa prepares to fill the void left by Alexander Isak, former Lorient colleague Julien Laporte predicts: "His story isn't complete yet. Having witnessed his growth firsthand, I believe he'll continue surpassing expectations."

The St James' Park faithful will soon discover if their new number nine can channel his remarkable resilience into on-field success, beginning with this weekend's Premier League encounter.