Newcastle United have completed the signing of striker Yoane Wissa from Brentford for £55m.
Brentford had remained bullish throughout the summer in their stance that they wanted close to their £60m asking price for Wissa, despite the striker entering the final 12 months of his contract, and on Monday morning accepted a deal.
The agreement comes 24 hours after the 28-year-old issued a statement on social media accusing Brentford of “unduly standing in his way” of a move to St James’ Park. Brentford rejected previous offers from Newcastle worth about £40m. Wissa will wear the No 9 shirt at Newcastle.
Wissa’s exit is the second major sale at Brentford this window, with Bryan Mbeumo joining Manchester United for an initial £65m. Last summer Brentford sold Ivan Toney to Al-Ahli in a £40m deal. Brentford have seen several high-profile departures this summer, with Thomas Frank leaving to become Tottenham manager and the former club captain Christian Nørgaard signing for Arsenal. Brentford broke their transfer record to land Dango Ouattara from Bournemouth in a £42.5m deal.
Wissa has scored 49 goals in 149 appearances, including 19 in the Premier League last season, since joining Brentford in a £8.5m deal from Lorient in 2021.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo forward is the second striker to arrive at Newcastle in the space of a few days after Nick Woltemade’s arrival from Stuttgart for £70m. His signing comes on the day Liverpool completed the British record signing of striker Alexander Isak for £125m.
Wissa said: “I’m really happy to be here and to sign for one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League. I’m very, very excited to put on the black and white shirt. I’ve got dreams, I’ve got faith and now I will do my best to make it all happen. I can’t wait to get started.”
The Newcastle head coach, Eddie Howe, said: “Yoane’s style of play will excite our supporters and complement our style of play – he has pace, power and an excellent work rate. He immediately makes us stronger.”
