Chris Waddle questions Yoane Wissa’s Newcastle future after difficult debut season

Newcastle United legend Chris Waddle has raised serious concerns regarding the form and fit of Yoane Wissa, suggesting the forward is struggling to convince the St James’ Park faithful of his long-term value.

Speaking to Ozoon on Friday, Waddle admitted that the DR Congo international, alongside fellow summer recruit Nick Woltemade, currently looks out of place in Eddie Howe’s tactical system.

Wissa arrived on Tyneside with high expectations following a successful stint at Brentford, but his debut campaign has been hampered by a lack of consistency and a significant injury layoff.

Waddle noted that the “body language” of the 29-year-old suggests a player grappling with the weight of expectation that comes with leading the line for the Magpies.

According to Waddle, many supporters have begun to label the signing a “panic buy” intended to fill the void left by the departure of Alexander Isak.

The tactical shift that has seen Anthony Gordon moved into a central role has further isolated Wissa.

Waddle expressed sympathy for the situation but warned that the current arrangement leaves the club with expensive talent sitting on the bench.

“I don’t know if Wissa was ever intended to be the number nine,” Waddle remarked, pointing out that when players traditionally used to the flanks move inside, they often lose the instinctive runs that made them effective in the first place.

While acknowledging that “a few goals can turn everything around,” Waddle remained skeptical about Wissa’s ability to adapt to the specific “Newcastle type” of profile fans demand.

He suggested that the lack of an immediate impact has left the jury out on whether Wissa can ever truly replace the goalscoring output required at the elite level.

With rumors already circulating regarding potential squad overhauls in the next transfer window, Waddle hinted that the club might consider its options if the right price is met.