In a sensational last-gasp move on the final day of the 2025 summer transfer window, Newcastle United have verbally agreed a £55 million deal with Brentford to sign DR Congo striker Yoane Wissa, with the 28-year-old set to undergo a medical later today.
The transfer, confirmed by multiple sources, comes hot on the heels of Alexander Isak’s record-breaking £130 million move to Liverpool, signaling Newcastle’s swift and ambitious response to bolster their attacking ranks under Eddie Howe. Alongside the recent £69.3 million signing of Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart, Wissa’s arrival marks a bold new chapter for the Magpies as they aim to maintain their Champions League aspirations.
🚨 🎥 VIDEO EXCLUSIVE (brief!):
— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) September 1, 2025
Watch Yoane Wissa arriving to undergo his Newcastle United medical at a city hospital.
✍🏼 He has agreed a 4-year contract.
🇨🇩 🩺 #wissa #NUFC pic.twitter.com/ZDMyL5jjIn
Yoane Wissa Transfer Details: From Negotiations to Agreement
The deal for Wissa, which had been in negotiation for weeks, was finalized after Brentford accepted Newcastle’s formal proposal, a package comprising £50 million upfront and £5 million in add-ons. This agreement ends a protracted saga that saw Newcastle’s earlier bids of £25 million and £40 million rejected, with Brentford initially holding firm at a £65 million valuation for their star forward, who has just one year left on his contract. Wissa’s public plea on social media, urging Brentford to honor a written promise to let him leave if a fair offer was made, played a pivotal role in pushing the deal over the line.
Yoane Wissa's Premier League Record and Fit at Newcastle United
Wissa, who scored an impressive 19 Premier League goals last season, all from open play, brings a proven goal-scoring pedigree to St James’ Park. His versatility to play as a central striker or on the wing, combined with his work rate and clinical finishing, makes him an ideal fit for Howe’s high-pressing system. The transfer also reunites Wissa with former Brentford teammate Jacob Ramsey, recently signed from Aston Villa, adding a layer of familiarity to Newcastle’s revamped squad. With Woltemade, a 23-year-old German forward known for his graceful playmaking, already on board, Newcastle are poised to field a dynamic attacking duo to fill the void left by Isak’s departure.
Timing and Context: Replacing Alexander Isak Amid Brentford Changes
The timing of Wissa’s move is critical. Isak’s exit, finalized earlier today with a medical at Liverpool, left Newcastle scrambling to reinforce their forward line. Wissa’s availability was secured after Brentford signed Bournemouth’s Dango Ouattara for £42 million, easing their reluctance to part with another key attacker following Bryan Mbeumo’s move to Manchester United. Brentford’s new manager, Keith Andrews, had initially insisted Wissa would remain, but the player’s absence from matchday squads and his vocal desire to join Newcastle forced a compromise.
Fan Reactions and Expectations for Yoane Wissa at St James' Park
For Newcastle fans, Wissa’s signing is a beacon of hope after the emotional blow of losing Isak, their talismanic striker. While some expressed skepticism about replacing Isak’s 23-goal output, Wissa’s near-identical scoring record from last season—19 goals in 35 appearances compared to Isak’s 23 in 34—offers reassurance. His experience, having thrived under pressure at Brentford despite the departure of key figures like Thomas Frank and Christian Nørgaard, suggests he can handle the expectations at St James’ Park.
Financial Breakdown: Newcastle's Strategy in the 2025 Transfer Window
The financial aspect of the deal also highlights Newcastle’s strategic approach under their Saudi-backed ownership. The £130 million from Isak’s sale, combined with earlier signings like Malick Thiaw and Jacob Ramsey, reflects a reinvestment strategy aimed at maintaining competitiveness. However, the £55 million fee for Wissa, a player turning 29 in days, has sparked debate among pundits, with some questioning whether Newcastle could have targeted a younger prospect, while others praise the immediate impact Wissa brings.
Future Outlook: Wissa and Woltemade's Integration at Newcastle
As Wissa prepares for his medical, the focus shifts to how quickly he and Woltemade can gel in Howe’s system. With Newcastle facing Liverpool in a high-stakes Premier League clash next, the timing of Wissa’s integration will be crucial. For Brentford, the funds from Wissa’s sale provide a lifeline to rebuild after a summer of upheaval, while Newcastle’s bold double signing signals their intent to remain a force in the top flight. As the transfer window closes, Wissa’s move to Tyneside marks a turning point, promising a fresh attacking dynamic for a club determined to rise above the loss of their star striker.
