Brentford boss admits truth behind Wissa to Newcastle transfer on deadline day

Ajay Gandhar

Brentford boss admits truth behind Wissa to Newcastle transfer on deadline day image

Yoane Wissa’s move to Newcastle United became one of the defining stories of transfer deadline day.

The striker joined for £55m [$74m], a fee that included £5m [$6.7m] in add-ons, after weeks of tension between player, club and manager.

Brentford had rejected Newcastle’s opening £25m [$34m] offer but the forward refused to play, telling club officials promises made behind the scenes had been broken.

According to reports, Congolese international drove overnight to finalise paperwork at St James’ Park before the window shut.

The west London club had already endured significant upheaval as Thomas Frank left for Tottenham Hotspur, Bryan Mbeumo joined Manchester United and Ben Mee departed at the end of his deal.

That made, Brentford reluctant to sell their star who scored 49 goals in 149 appearances for them.  Nevertheless, Wissa’s stance forced their hand and the transfer was completed before the deadline.

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Newcastle had originally pursued Jorgen Strand Larsen but switched focus once Wissa made his position clear.

What Brentford Boss have to say about Wissa transfer?

Brentford boss Keith Andrews was adamant about Wissa staying at the Gtech Community Stadium.

“All along, I expected Yoane to stay," he said [via Skysports]

"Up until the very last press conference before Sunderland, he was nowhere near a move. That is pretty much where I was"

 

“I wanted Yoane to stay. Didn’t really want to lose that amount of goals out of the building.

“But equally, I am very understanding of the way this club works. The medium to long-term future of the club is very important.”

Keith Andrews next assignment will come against Chelsea on September 13.

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Ajay Gandhar

Ajay Gandhar is a content producer for The Sporting News, working across our English-language editions.