Newcastle United have completed the signing of striker Yoane Wissa from Brentford for £55m. The agreement came after Brentford rejected previous offers worth about £40m, holding out for close to their £60m asking price despite the 28-year-old entering the final year of his contract.
Wissa, who will wear the No 9 shirt at Newcastle, issued a statement on social media on Sunday accusing Brentford of “unduly standing in his way” of a move to St James’ Park. The Democratic Republic of the Congo forward has scored 49 goals in 149 appearances since joining Brentford from Lorient for £8.5m in 2021, including 19 in the Premier League last season.
Wissa’s departure is the second major sale for Brentford this window, following Bryan Mbeumo’s £65m move to Manchester United. The club also saw manager Thomas Frank leave to become Tottenham head coach and former captain Christian Nørgaard join Arsenal. Brentford broke their transfer record to sign Dango Ouattara from Bournemouth for £42.5m.
Wissa is the second striker to arrive at Newcastle in recent days, after Nick Woltemade’s £70m move from Stuttgart. His signing came on the day Liverpool completed a British record £125m deal for Alexander Isak.
Wissa said: “I’m really happy to be here and to sign for one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League. I’m very, very excited to put on the black and white shirt. I’ve got dreams, I’ve got faith and now I will do my best to make it all happen. I can’t wait to get started.”
Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe added: “Yoane’s style of play will excite our supporters and complement our style of play – he has pace, power and an excellent work rate. He immediately makes us stronger.”
