Youssouf Wissa, the 28-year-old forward, finds his future at Brentford hanging by a thread. Wissa thought he’d be escaping the club following Ivan Toney’s exit last summer. Now, he’s going crazy over the lack of progress on his would-be transfer to Newcastle United. He returned early from Brentford’s pre-season training camp in Portugal to discuss his future, signaling his intentions to distance himself from the club.
Brentford head coach Keith Andrews acknowledged Wissa’s decision to leave the training camp, attributing it to speculation surrounding the player’s future. Andrews stated, “He has gone back to London. It was his decision, obviously because of speculation.” Despite Wissa’s absence, Andrews remains optimistic about his return to training, saying, “It’s simple, really. He folds back into the group next week when we come back to training.”
Wissa’s Stance on Transfer
Wissa had announced publicly that he would not train with or play for Brentford again. He wishes to transfer to Newcastle because he wishes to play at the highest levels. His passion in particular propels him to admire the Champions League’s excitement. He believes this might be his last chance to join one at this point in his career.
Wissa has just one year remaining on his contract with Brentford. The club has an option to extend it for a further year. This lack of clarity creates a murky environment for any eventual transfer. Brentford though, has been explicit in stating that Wissa will not be sold. The club turned down several bids from Nottingham Forest over the course of this past January transfer window. They rebuffed a recent £25 million bid from Newcastle.
Newcastle’s Interest and Brentford’s Position
Despite still wanting to bring Wissa in, Newcastle are understood to be looking at other targets too. The club’s hierarchy is considering its options as Brentford have never wavered from their hardline position of not releasing Wissa. A well-informed contact told Sky Sports News that Wissa was given no guarantees on a move from Brentford. What actual status would that clarify around him is anyone’s guess.
With the window closing, it has become a game of chicken between the two sides, and Wissa’s fate is still uncertain. The player’s obvious and undeniable eagerness to sign with Newcastle runs counter to Brentford’s clear disinterest in selling him.
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