Newcastle's £35m Gamble: Why Wissa Might Be Worth the Wait (Or Not)

By Lewis Barnett 18 August, 2025 6 mins read 91 Views

Look, I've been covering transfer windows for eight years now, and this one feels different.

Newcastle are about to throw £35 million at Brentford for Yoane Wissa, and honestly? I'm not sure if it's desperation or genius. Eddie Howe's sitting there without a proper striker after Alexander Isak decided to throw his toys out the pram, and suddenly every forward in Europe looks like Messi to the Toon Army.

The Magpies' performance against Villa last weekend was painful to watch. All that possession, all that huffing and puffing, and what did they get? A draw that felt like a loss. My mate texted me halfway through: "This is like watching someone try to open a jar with no hands." Harsh, but fair.

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The Summer of Almost-Signings

Here's where it gets embarrassing for Newcastle. They've missed out on basically everyone decent this summer. Liam Delap? Gone. Joao Pedro? Not interested. Hugo Ekitike? Laughed at their offer (probably). Benjamin Sesko? Chose Leipzig over the Tyne, which... ouch.

Their £30m bid for Wissa got rejected faster than my application to write for Vogue. But here's the thing - the 28-year-old DR Congo international actually wants to join them. In 2024, that counts for something.

When Missing Training Becomes a Statement

Wissa skipped Brentford's 3-1 defeat at Nottingham Forest yesterday, which is either very unprofessional or very smart depending on your perspective.

The guy scored 19 Premier League goals last season. That's not world-class, but it's not Championship either. And after Newcastle splashed £39m on Jacob Ramsey from Villa (which still makes me do a double-take every time I write it), suddenly £35m for a proven goalscorer doesn't seem completely mental.

Sun Sport reckons the improved bid will land within 24 hours. The confidence around St. James' Park is growing, apparently. They want him ready for Liverpool next Monday, which feels optimistic but hey - stranger things have happened in football.

Keith Andrews Plays It Cool (Sort Of)

Brentford's manager tried to downplay the whole situation after the Forest defeat, but you could practically see the stress lines forming. "It's a day-by-day one in terms of Wiss," he said, which translates to: "Please someone sort this mess out before I lose my mind."

The reality? Brentford won't let Wissa go until they find a replacement. And right now, they're about as close to signing a new striker as I am to understanding cryptocurrency.

They were interested in Arnaud Kalimuendo, but the 23-year-old looks Forest-bound instead. Poor Keith Andrews is probably refreshing his phone every five minutes hoping for good news that isn't coming.

The Waiting Game Nobody Wants to Play

Here's what's really happening: Newcastle are gambling that Brentford will eventually crack under pressure. Wissa wants out, the Bees need the money (£42m for Dango Ouattara from Bournemouth doesn't pay for itself), and time is running out.

But Brentford aren't stupid. They watched Chris Wood score twice against them at Forest while their own striker situation remains a complete shambles. Igor Thiago finally scored his first goal for the club - only took him a year and £30m - but one penalty conversion doesn't solve their problems.

The Brazilian's celebration looked more relieved than ecstatic, which pretty much sums up Brentford's entire forward line right now.

Will It Actually Happen?

My gut says yes, but not quickly.

Newcastle have shown they're willing to overpay (see: Jacob Ramsey), and Wissa's clearly made his choice. The question is whether Brentford can find anyone decent before the window slams shut. If they can't, they'll probably keep him and hope he gets over his sulk.

If they can... well, £35m buys a lot of goodwill, even in today's inflated market. And Newcastle desperately need someone who can actually put the ball in the net when it matters.

Either way, this saga's got at least another week left in it. Buckle up.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you determine the Premier League champion?

The Premier League is won by the team who accumulates the most number of points throughout the 38 match season. Three points are awarded for each win, while one point is given for a tie and none for a defeat. In the event of teams finishing the season with the same number of points, the champion is determined by goal difference, and if necessary, the number of goals scored. If the teams still are level, then a game at a neutral ground may decide the title. But this scenario is not known to have happened in Premier League.

What is Premier League?

The Premier League in England is one of the most competitive and popular domestic football leagues around the world. The English Football League operates on a promotion and demotion system. There are 20 teams in the Premier League. Each team competes annually. They play 38 matches (home or away) and the season runs typically from August through May. The Premier League, with its star players from around the world and large global audience, is known for playing high-quality sport.

What community initiatives does Premier League support and promote?

The Premier League supports many community initiatives to improve lives. These efforts include education and sports development programs for young people, promoting the inclusivity of underrepresented groups in football, and supporting projects that use football as a tool for positive social change. The Premier League's global reach allows it to make a significant impact both within and beyond the UK, emphasizing football's potential to contribute to societal well-being.

How has Premier League evolved from its creation?

Since its inception in 1992, the Premier League has undergone significant evolution. The Premier League was formed in 1992 as a breakaway group from the Football League, to capitalize on lucrative television deals. Since then it has become a worldwide sporting phenomenon. It now attracts top talent all over the world and undergoes brand changes. Revenues have also increased massively. The league has also experienced advancements in sport science, training facilities and stadium technologies. This has contributed to an overall improvement of the football spectacle.

How has the Premier League affected the English team?

The Premier League plays an important role in the development English football talent. Many players in the Premier League are selected for England's national team and contribute to international tournaments with their skill and experience. The quality of players and the competitiveness of the league are thought to be beneficial for the national team. There is debate, however, about the number of players from abroad in the Premier League and whether it has an impact on the chances for English players to play regularly first-team football.

Statistics

The record for the most goals scored in a single Premier League season by a player is 32, achieved by Mohamed Salah during the 2017-2018 campaign.
Manchester United holds the record for the most Premier League titles, having been crowned champions 20 times.
Petr Čech set a remarkable defensive record during the 2004-2005 season with 24 clean sheets, the most by a goalkeeper in a single Premier League season.
Ryan Giggs holds the distinction of scoring in 21 consecutive Premier League seasons, marking consistency seldom seen in such a demanding league.
Chelsea established the Premier League’s greatest goal difference of +71 in the 2009–2010 season, showcasing their offensive prowess and defensive strength.

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How To

How to Collect Premier League Memorabilia

Collecting Premier League collectibles can be a fun hobby that connects you to the culture and history of your team. Start by deciding what type of memorabilia interests you, whether it's matchday programs, jerseys, autographs, or rare collectibles. Visit online auctions, sports memorabilia stores and official club shops. Verify the authenticity of signed merchandise and other items by buying from accredited dealers. Consider investing in storage or preservation frames for valuable items.