Newcastle United Intensifies Pursuit of Yoane Wissa Amid Ekitike Setback

Newcastle United is reportedly accelerating its interest in Brentford striker Yoane Wissa following the withdrawal from their pursuit of Hugo Ekitike. The decision comes after Newcastle's £70 million bid for Ekitike, a French forward from Eintracht Frankfurt, was rejected. The Magpies had targeted Ekitike as a potential new centre-forward to bolster their attacking options but faced complications in negotiations over the last 24 hours, prompting them to turn their attention to Wissa.

Wissa, a 28-year-old international from the Democratic Republic of Congo, has made a significant impact in the Premier League since joining Brentford from Lorient in 2021. He has scored 45 goals in 137 appearances, positioning himself as a vital player for the Bees, especially after the departure of Ivan Toney to the Saudi Pro League last summer. This transition saw Wissa shift from an attacking midfield role to a central forward position, resulting in his most prolific scoring season to date, with 19 Premier League goals scored from inside the box.

According to Matt Hobbs, a sports journalist for BBC Sport, Wissa’s performance has been impressive, ranking second for open-play goals in the 2024-25 season, ahead of other notable players. Wissa's adaptability and goal-scoring prowess have made him an attractive target not only for Newcastle but also for clubs like Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest, both of whom are currently monitoring his situation.

Brentford remains firm in their resolve to keep both Wissa and teammate Bryan Mbeumo, who is also sought after by Manchester United. However, sources indicate that Wissa is open to the prospect of a move to a club that can offer him Champions League football, adding to the urgency of Newcastle's pursuit.

The landscape of the transfer market is continuing to evolve, especially with clubs like Liverpool also interested in Ekitike as an alternative to Newcastle's Alexander Isak, who the Magpies have asserted is not for sale. This competitive environment heightens the stakes for clubs seeking to strengthen their squads during the current transfer window.

As Newcastle's management evaluates their options, the club faces the challenge of balancing their ambitions with Brentford's unwillingness to part with their key players. With negotiations expected to ramp up in the coming days, Wissa could potentially emerge as a critical addition to Newcastle's attack, reflecting their aspirations for the upcoming season.

The implications of Wissa’s potential transfer could reshape the dynamics within the Premier League, as Newcastle aims to reinforce their squad to compete at the highest levels. The situation remains fluid, with developments likely to unfold rapidly as the transfer window progresses.