As the 2025/26 Premier League season approaches, Newcastle United’s pursuit of Brentford forward Yoane Wissa is drawing scrutiny, with concerns mounting over whether the player’s impressive attacking output outweighs his tactical and defensive limitations.
Wissa, who is pushing hard for a move to St. James’ Park, has already withdrawn from Brentford’s warm weather training camp in a bid to force a transfer.
Newcastle have reportedly tabled a £25 million bid for the 28-year-old, who netted 20 goals and registered four assists in 38 appearances last season.
Wissa forcing Brentford’s hand
Brentford head coach Keith Andrews confirmed that Wissa took the decision to return to London amid intensifying transfer speculation. “It was his decision, obviously because of speculation. There are clubs interested, and he felt it was the right thing to go back to London,” Andrews said.
Wissa is said to have threatened to never play for Brentford again unless the club grants his wish to leave. Having already lost Bryan Mbeumo to Manchester United, Brentford are reluctant to let another key forward depart without maximum compensation.
Attacking quality, but red flags remain
Wissa’s raw numbers are eye-catching. His 11 fast breaks were the most in the Bees squad last season, and his 96 total shots, 45 on target, and 27% conversion rate all ranked top among his teammates.
He also boasts a shooting accuracy of 60.8%, underscoring his ability to trouble goalkeepers regularly.
However, serious questions surround his fit in Eddie Howe’s system. Wissa’s passing accuracy of 79.9% is below par compared to Brentford’s other attacking players, many of whom post over 80%. More concerning, his 586 attempted passes fall well short of key teammates, indicating a limited role in Brentford’s build-up play.
Newcastle’s attack heavily relies on fluid, high-precision passing. Of current squad members, only Alexander Isak (76.7%) and Jacob Murphy (75.5%) posted lower completion rates last season. Wissa would need to significantly elevate his passing game to meet Howe’s tactical demands.
Defensive deficiencies raise further concerns
Defensively, Wissa is also lacking. He made just 84 ball recoveries — around half of what other Brentford attackers managed — and won just 44.5% of his one-on-one duels, making him one of the least effective pressers in the side.
Given Newcastle’s emphasis on pressing and off-the-ball discipline, this is a potential liability. While his pace and scoring instincts are appealing, the gaps in Wissa’s all-round game could expose the Magpies if not addressed.
Newcastle must tread carefully
With no other major signings on the immediate horizon apart from Anthony Elanga, the pressure is on Eddie Howe to strengthen the squad.
The sale of Sean Longstaff to Leeds United and the uncertainty surrounding Isak’s potential move to Liverpool further complicate matters.
Newcastle can’t afford missteps. A marquee addition like Wissa may excite fans, but unless the Congolese attacker adapts quickly to the demands of Howe’s system, the club risks spending big on a player who doesn’t quite fit.
In short, the potential upside is clear — goals, speed, and flair — but Newcastle must weigh it carefully against the risks. This is not a deal they can afford to get wrong.
