Yoane Wissa has completed a £55million transfer to Newcastle United on deadline day, ending a summer of tension with Brentford. The DR Congo forward had publicly criticised the Bees for reneging on a purported agreement to allow him to leave, but ultimately got his wish as the window closed.
Brentford confirmed the departure with a stark, factual statement, saying: 'Yoane Wissa has joined Newcastle United for an undisclosed fee.' The club noted his 49 goals in 149 appearances, including becoming their record Premier League goalscorer with 45, surpassing Ivan Toney's 36.
Wissa, who will wear the iconic number nine shirt at St James' Park, expressed his delight after the move. 'I'm really happy to be here and to sign for one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League,' he said. '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.'
The forward had earlier taken to social media to criticise Brentford, claiming the club had gone back on a promise to let him leave. 'I was under the impression, from all my conversations with Brentford, that there was a mutual agreement to part ways,' he wrote. He pleaded with the club to honour their word, warning that being forced to stay would 'tarnish four wonderful years'.
Brentford signed Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson on a season-long loan as Wissa's replacement.
