‘It’s unbelievable’ – PIF-owned club could hijack Newcastle’s Yoane Wissa deal
Newcastle United are racing Al-Nassr to sign Brentford star Yoane Wissa after an “unbelievable” situation has emerged.
Eddie Howe’s side are looking to bring in a new striker before the transfer window closes following speculation around Alexander Isak’s future at St James’ Park.
Liverpool have seen a bid worth £110million plus add-ons rejected for the Sweden international, with the Tyneside club valuing him at around £150million.
Football Insider revealed on 2 August Brentford will reluctantly accept an offer from Newcastle for Wissa despite having rejected their initial £25million bid.
The clubs are not believed to be far apart in their valuations, and there is a growing belief the Bess will accept offers if they can identify his replacement.
French newspaper L’Equipe reported on 7 August Al-Nassr are ready to meet Brentford’s asking price for Wissa and jump ahead of Newcastle in the race for his signature.
The Saudi Pro League side is also majority owned by Newcastle’s owners, the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Wissa, whose contract expires in June 2026, registered 20 goals and five assists in 39 appearances last season.
Newcastle ownership seperate from Saudi operations after PIF reveal
This article contains exclusive comment from Stefan Borson, a former financial adviser to Man City.
PIF bought Newcastle alongside the Reuben Brothers and PCP Capital Partners four years ago in a £305million deal that brought to an end Mike Ashley’s 14-year spell in charge at St James’ Park.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider about Al-Nassr’s interest in Wissa, Borson said: “I think it just shows the separation within the ownership.
“It looks like the two parts are run separately. I mean, there’s no other real explanation. To have Al-Nassr as a PIF club that’s definitely a related party competing with Newcastle is unbelievable in many regards.
“It would have been more dramatic on the Nunez situation, if they’d have ended up buying Nunez for an inflated fee. As it happens, I think this is an interesting thing that we’re seeing they ended up paying a fee that looks perfectly reasonable.
“On a global sense, if anything I think some people might be surprised that it’s a bit lower than they expected. So, it can’t be said that they’re inflating the value of a player over here to then give Liverpool the funds to go and buy Isak.
“I never thought that was a realistic conspiracy theory anyway. But it does sort of suggest that there is separation within PIF between the Saudi side and between the Newcastle side.
“If that’s the case, then Newcastle can’t really complain. I mean, it’s just the way it is. It’s surprising from the outside. I don’t think it gives anybody a right to complain. It’s just that it’s an arm’s length negotiation.
“They are like everybody else. It’s surprising, of course, but it’s just one of those things. Newcastle are going to have to deal with it.
“It’s another one of the problems Newcastle are going to have to deal with this summer.”
Chelsea will accept big offer from Newcastle for Nicolas Jackson
In terms of another transfer target at St James’ Park, Football Insider revealed on 9 August Newcastle are weighing up an offer for Nicolas Jackson after Enzo Maresca gave the green light for him to leave Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have slapped an initial £80million asking price on Jackson, sparking doubts about whether Howe’s side will be prepared to match that fee.
Man United walked away from signing Jackson after being told his hefty price tag before turning their attention to Newcastle target Benjamin Sesko.
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