‘Bid Rejected’ – David Ornstein Confirms Major Newcastle United Transfer Blow | OneFootball

Newcastle’s Pursuit of Yoane Wissa: Brentford Hold Firm

David Ornstein of The Athletic has reported that Newcastle United’s latest bid for Yoane Wissa has been rejected by Brentford. The offer, valued at £35 million with an additional £5 million in difficult add-ons, was swiftly turned down by the West London club. Despite the forward’s own wish to move to St James’ Park, Brentford remain resolute in their stance, making this one of the more intriguing sagas of the current transfer window.

Wissa’s Impact and Newcastle’s Interest

Wissa has emerged as one of Brentford’s key figures, scoring 19 Premier League goals last season, and 49 overall since his arrival from Lorient in 2021. In Ornstein’s words, “Brentford sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to discuss the situation, have stressed that the club have not provided a target price to any team.” That line alone shows Brentford’s reluctance to be pinned down to a valuation, suggesting they are determined not to be strong-armed in negotiations.

For Newcastle, the pursuit is as much about necessity as ambition. With Alexander Isak expressing his desire to leave, posting on social media that his relationship with the club “can’t continue”, the Magpies are under pressure to secure attacking reinforcements. Their failed moves for Hugo Ekitike, Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Benjamin Sesko underline how challenging this market has been for them.

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Brentford’s Summer of Upheaval

It is worth noting the context around Brentford’s decision-making. Keith Andrews, now in charge following Thomas Frank’s departure to Tottenham, has inherited a club in flux. Losing Christian Norgaard to Arsenal and Bryan Mbeumo to Manchester United has already significantly weakened the squad. Mbeumo and Wissa contributed 39 of the team’s 66 league goals last season, so holding on to the Congolese forward may well be seen as essential to ensuring survival.

Furthermore, Wissa’s absence from pre-season fixtures and the opening Premier League game against Nottingham Forest, where Brentford lost 3-1, only adds to the tension. He has already held face-to-face talks with the club about his future, which suggests this is an issue that will not quietly fade away.

Newcastle’s Growing Frustration

For Newcastle, the optics of missing out on so many striking options while a target openly wants the move are damaging. Wissa’s availability, albeit complicated, feels like a potential turning point for their recruitment drive. Yet Brentford’s refusal highlights how, in the modern Premier League, mid-table clubs are no longer forced to sell unless absolutely necessary.

As Ornstein reminds readers, “Nottingham Forest also had a bid rejected for the DR Congo international in July, having previously had an approach rebuffed in January.” The consistency of rejection across multiple suitors underlines Brentford’s determination to extract maximum value, if not retain the player altogether.

Contractual Leverage and Market Reality

With just one year left on his current deal and Brentford holding the option to extend for a further 12 months, the club still possess leverage. They can bide their time, knowing Newcastle’s need is urgent, while Wissa remains under contract. This puts Andrews and the Brentford hierarchy in a relatively strong negotiating position, even if the player’s desire to leave has been made clear.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From the perspective of a Newcastle United supporter, this situation feels painfully familiar. How many summers have we seen the club identify targets, chase them publicly, then fall short while rivals strengthen? Yoane Wissa wants the move, it is as clear as day. He has held talks with Brentford, skipped pre-season games, and made his intentions clear. Yet here we are, another deal stalling while the clock ticks down.

Brentford have every right to protect their squad, especially after losing Mbeumo and Norgaard, but from a Newcastle fan’s standpoint it feels like yet another missed opportunity. The board should have wrapped this up weeks ago. £40 million for a proven Premier League scorer in his prime is hardly extortionate in today’s market, particularly when we know what other strikers have cost.

Keith Andrews may be determined to hold firm, but if the player’s heart is elsewhere and the club cashes in too late, Brentford could be left scrambling for a replacement. From Newcastle’s point of view, the problem is deeper. Failure to land Wissa would mark yet another striker slipping through our fingers, with Isak already halfway out the door. Supporters are tired of excuses. We need clarity, conviction and ambition in this window, otherwise the season ahead could unravel before it has even started.