Brentford boss makes wild claim on DR Congo’s Yoane Wissa’s future, says forward ‘owes him’ and must stay

Brentford manager Keith Andrews has stunned supporters and pundits alike with an extraordinary remark about Yoane Wissa’s future, insisting the forward “owes” him and should not be considering an exit.

Wissa, who has made his desire to join Newcastle United clear, cut short his pre-season trip with Brentford and was left out of the squad during the Bees’ 3-1 defeat at Nottingham Forest last weekend.

Newcastle submitted a £40 million bid for the DR Congo international, which was rejected, but the forward is reportedly hopeful of a move before the transfer window closes in just over a week.

Andrews, speaking earlier this week as speculation grew around the 27-year-old, pointed to his past influence on Wissa’s development.

“I have got a good relationship with Wiss. I worked really hard with him last year to try and find goals. Seven of his 19 goals last year came from set-pieces. He owes me really, so he shouldn’t be going anywhere, to be blunt!” the Brentford boss declared.

The Bees are already reeling from the loss of Bryan Mbeumo, who joined Manchester United this summer, and Andrews is wary of suffering another damaging departure after the duo combined for 39 Premier League goals last season.

However, Wissa is said to believe that Brentford agreed last year to allow him to leave in 2025, and he now expects the club to honour that commitment. His future remains uncertain, with Newcastle still circling.

When quizzed about Wissa’s availability for this weekend’s clash against Aston Villa, Andrews gave little away.

“He’s been training with the team. I’ll make a decision on the squad tomorrow, but he’s been part of the group this week. He’s a Brentford player right now. My stance around Yoane all along is that I don’t want him to leave; that hasn’t changed.”