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Newcastle United took a hard-fought point away from Villa Park on their Premier League return over the weekend.
The goalless draw, in which the Magpies registered 13 shots on goal, highlighted once again the club’s pressing striker dilemma.
Alexander Isak’s situation remains unresolved, and repeated attempts to bring in a new forward have collapsed late in negotiations.
As a result, Eddie Howe was forced to start Anthony Gordon in the centre-forward role against Aston Villa.
The Newcastle boss has reiterated his desire to see Isak return as soon as possible, but admitted the Swedish striker remains unwilling to rejoin the squad.
With only two weeks left in the transfer window, the Magpies must either cash in on Isak and secure a replacement, or bring in reinforcements to provide depth while trying to reintegrate their absent striker.
One key target is Brentford star Yoane Wissa.
Newcastle saw a £25m bid rejected, and like Isak, the forward has taken matters into his own hands to force a move.
Wissa initially refused to return to pre-season duties, though he resumed training earlier this month.
He was absent from Brentford’s opening 3-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, and now, the 28-year-old has gone further in his bid to leave.
Journalist Ben Jacobs reported on X:
“BREAKING: Yoane Wissa has unfollowed Brentford, changed his profile picture to black and removed all club photos from his Instagram account as he looks to leave the club.”
“Wissa’s move to Newcastle is currently being blocked by Brentford, as exclusively revealed earlier with @alex_crook”
“The 28-year-old is unhappy Brentford won’t now engage over a sale unless a £60m+ valuation is met despite informing Wissa a few weeks ago they would entertain a sale.”
“Wissa was also told a year ago he could leave for £26m (€30m) after committing to last season following Ivan Toney’s departure to Al-Ahli.”
“Brentford insist Dango Ouattara is a Bryan Mbeumo replacement and for a Wissa exit to happen, another forward must be added as well as their high valuation met.”
Will Newcastle get a deal done for Wissa?
There is no doubt that Wissa is a proven Premier League striker who could immediately strengthen Newcastle’s front line.
But time is running out, and Brentford’s £60m asking price is far above the Magpies’ rejected £25m bid.
While Newcastle are in urgent need of attacking reinforcements, Wissa will turn 29 next month and has less than 12 months left on his contract.
Committing such a large investment under those circumstances seems incredibly unlikely for the North East giants, especially with a potential need to replace Isak in 12 months, if he does stay this season.
With the clock ticking towards Deadline Day on the 1st of September, much depends on whether Wissa’s most recent attempts to force a move will sway Brentford’s stance on his sale and price tag.
Either way, Newcastle’s striker situation looks set to dominate headlines over the coming fortnight before the transfer window closes.
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