Yoane Wissa ‘given Newcastle green light’ as Brentford strike £42m deal
Newcastle United could be given a clear path to land Yoane Wissa after Brentford agreed a deal with Bournemouth to sign Dango Ouattara.
The Magpies are still facing the very real possibility of losing Alexander Isak this summer, with Callum Wilson’s end-of-contract departure already leaving them short at No.9.
Newcastle have been further frustrated by missing out on key targets such as Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko, leading them to pursue a deal for Wissa.
Brentford have been reluctant to sell Wissa, having already lost top scorer Bryan Mbeumo, captain Christian Norgaard, goalkeeper Mark Flekken and manager Thomas Frank this summer.
Brentford agree Dango Ouattara deal
Despite Brentford wanting desperately to keep Wissa — who scored 19 goals in the Premier League last season — there’s always been an understanding that they could be persuaded to part ways, if they can find attacking reinforcements of their own.
There now appears to be a breakthrough on that front, with the Mail reporting that the Bees have ‘reached an agreement in principle’ to sign winger Ouatarra from Bournemouth for £42million (15 August).
The Burkina Faso international is a winger by trade, but notched nine goals and four assists in 37 appearances across all competitions for the Cherries last season — with an impressive record of six goals and an assist in eight outings as a striker (Transfermarkt).
Brentford have Igor Thiago to man the No.9 role in Wissa’s absence. However, the Brazilian played just eight times last season after moving to Club Brugge due to a serious knee injury, failing to score during that time.
With that in mind, Ouatarra would go a long way in supporting Keith Andrews’ attack, which currently leans heavily on pacy German forward Kevin Schade — who notched 12 goals and three assists across all competitions last season.
Newcastle to come again for Wissa
The Mail report further that Brentford are holding out for £40m for Wissa.
Football Insider transfer correspondent Pete O’Rourke reported at the start of August that Newcastle had seen a £25m bid for the striker rejected, but with the expectation the Magpies would return again.
Eddie Howe will surely see Brentford’s signing of Ouattara as inspiration to return to the table for Wissa — especially with just one year left on his contract, leaving the Bees in a poor negotiating position.
For his part, Brentford boss Andrews obviously wants to keep Wissa, but is realistic about the situation and keeping an open dialogue with the player.
“It’s a scenario that isn’t wanted from me, clearly. Why would anyone want to lose a striker that scored 19 Premier League goals?
“It is what it is, unfortunately,” he told talkSPORT (14 August). “I’ll keep communicating to Yoane as he is with me, and again, going back to that respectful relationship, that will certainly remain.”