Brentford boss Thomas Frank has dropped a bombshell ahead of their Premier League curtain-raiser, confirming star forward Yoane Wissa will be excluded from the squad amid mounting transfer interest from Newcastle United.
The DR Congo international, who netted 12 league goals last season, has emerged as a prime target for Eddie Howe's Magpies this summer. Frank's decision to omit Wissa from their opening matchday squad suggests the West London club are taking a firm stance to protect their asset.
Transfer Tug-of-War Intensifies
Sources close to the club reveal Brentford have already rejected two bids from St James' Park for the 27-year-old attacker. The Bees reportedly value their talisman at £25 million – a figure Newcastle have so far been unwilling to match.
'Yoane won't feature this weekend,' Frank stated bluntly during Thursday's press conference. 'When there's this much speculation, it can affect a player's focus. This is best for all parties.'
Strategic Move or Transfer Precursor?
Football pundits are divided on whether this represents:
- A hardball negotiation tactic to drive up Wissa's price
- Genuine concern over the player's mental state
- The first step in an impending transfer
Brentford's season opener against Crystal Palace now takes on added intrigue, with fans anxiously awaiting developments in this high-stakes transfer saga.
