We check out what Yoane Wissa had to say on joining Newcastle after that explosive statement of his demanding to leave Brentford.
The 28 year old had accused Brentford of breaking promises and publicly demanded a transfer before the window closes, refusing to train or play, unfollowing the club on Instagram, and deleting related posts.
He wanted to join Newcastle, had bids rejected, Brentford demanded a minimum of £60m, before eventually letting him go for £55m (£50m plus £5m in add-ons) on Deadline Day.
Brentford denied any exit promise, and up until the sale, insisted he wouldn’t be sold, and Keith Andrews had hope to retain him, especially after failing to sign Dortmund’s Max Beier as a replacement.
It brings an end to a transfer saga, which saw the 28-year-old issue a statement on Sunday publicly confirming he wanted to leave Brentford.
We are delighted to confirm the signing of forward Yoane Wissa from Brentford for an undisclosed fee. 👊 pic.twitter.com/b4PegvTndf
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) September 1, 2025
We can confirm Yoane Wissa has joined Newcastle United for an undisclosed fee
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) September 1, 2025
In a statement, Wissa directly asked owner Matthew Benham and Brentford’s directors to let him leave for Newcastle.
He said: “Over the past few weeks, there has been increased speculation about my future at Brentford Football Club. As a result, I wanted to speak directly and honestly about exactly where things stand.
“I have stayed silent for much of the summer, but with just hours remaining of the transfer window I feel compelled make it clear that I want to leave Brentford. I believe the club are unduly standing in my way despite a series of fair offers throughout the summer.
“I have always given 100 per cent for Brentford since the day I signed back in 2021. I am proud of what we have built together and have never taken the opportunity to play for the club for granted.
“Brentford fans will always have a special place in my heart. And I have always conducted myself professionally, both on and off the pitch. It has been a privilege to wear this shirt for 149 games and celebrate 49 goals.
“Earlier this summer, I held open discussions with the club’s senior management, including key directors and the new head coach. I made clear my intention to explore a new challenge.
“During these conversations, it was confirmed to me and my representatives that the club would not stand in my way if a reasonable offer was received. This was also put in writing.
“Based on this understanding, I sought to find a new club, keeping Brentford informed with full transparency at every step.
“Brentford received a formal offer from another Premier League club and I then communicated I wanted to join. I was under the impression, from all my conversations with Brentford, that there was a mutual agreement to part ways.
“Yet as the window comes to an end, the club has now significantly changed its position, going against what was communicated. This has left me in a difficult and frustrating position. The commitment that I could leave this summer has not been fulfilled. It saddens me to have to write that, and I maintain total respect for the club and its fans.
“I want to make it clear that I have not acted unprofessionally, nor do I wish to leave Brentford on bad terms. I have been transparent in my position throughout. I have continued to communicate openly with the club and conduct myself in a way that reflects my values as both a footballer and a human being.
“I remain hopeful that a fair and reasonable resolution can still be found before the transfer window shuts.
“In the meantime, I must do what I feel is right for my career and family and insist that Brentford honour their word to let me join a new club and at a fair price.
“I want to thank all the Brentford fans for their support and understanding during this difficult situation. Your energy and belief in me has always meant a great deal. This has never been about walking away from what is a fantastic football club. It’s about being allowed to move forward with Brentford’s blessing based on a repeated commitment made that I could leave for a new chapter this summer.
“Being made to stay beyond this summer will only tarnish four wonderful years at this incredible club and so I ask Brentford’s owners and directors to now keep their word to let me leave in the final hours of the window.”
In his interview on signing for Newcastle, as seen above, Wissa said he was extremely happy and convinced it’s the right project; felt an immediate connection with manager Eddie Howe, who analysed him perfectly and wants him to create danger with freedom as a “main character.”
He was attracted by the unbelievable atmosphere, fans, and challenge of playing at St. James’s Park in front of 52,000 – tough as an opponent, exciting as a teammate.
He feels loved and wanted, which boosts his performance; WHILE emotional about the move after a long, respectful negotiation process.
Wissa also felt privileged to wear the historic No. 9 shirt, inspired by legends like Alan Shearer, Papiss Cissé, and Demba Ba (watched them growing up in France).
He’s looking forward to a big season ahead, winning games, and giving 100%; and even watched Newcastle’s Amazon series partially to avoid jinxing the deal.
On Brentford, he described it as a wonderful, competitive journey with ups and downs; remembers first and last goals, record-breaking season, and “crazy” achievements.
He said the partnership with Bryan (Mbeumo), leadership role, communication with fans/community, and close bond with manager Thomas Frank.
There was deep respect and love for the club, players, fans, and staff; credits them for making Brentford big despite difficult deal to leave.
Stayed fit and professional while waiting for the move; no hard feelings, always respectful.
CLUB STATEMENTS:
Brentford – Yoane Wissa has joined Newcastle United for an undisclosed fee.
The forward signed from French club Lorient in August 2021 and scored 49 goals in 149 appearances for Brentford.
In his first season, Wissa scored 10 goals in all competitions and then added another seven in 2022/23.
Wissa missed part of the 2023/24 campaign at the Africa Cup of Nations with DR Congo, where his nation were beaten by South Africa on penalties in the third-place play-off, but hit his best patch of form in a Brentford shirt on his return.
Wissa ended that season with a run of eight goals and two assists in 15 games helping him to become the Bees’ top scorer.
During the 2024/25 campaign Wissa became the club’s record Premier League goalscorer (45), surpassing Ivan Toney’s previous record of 36. He ended the season with 19 top-flight goals.
View this post on Instagram
Newcastle United can confirm the transfer deadline day signing of forward Yoane Wissa from Brentford for an undisclosed fee, subject to Premier League approval.
The 28-year-old, who was born in France and represents DR Congo at international level, has finalised a long-term deal to become the sixth summer arrival at St. James’ Park.
Yoane’s career began with French side Châteauroux, where he progressed through the youth system before making a switch to Angers in 2016. Loan spells at Laval and Ajaccio followed, but it was upon joining then Ligue 2 side Lorient in January 2018 that he began to make his mark.
Yoane helped Lorient reach the French top-flight, where he went on to score ten times, before earning his move to newly-promoted Brentford in 2021.
The striker quickly established himself in the Premier League and departs the Bees with 49 goals from 149 games to his name in all competitions, including a personal high of 19 league goals last term.
Yoane will wear the number nine shirt for Newcastle United.
Yoane said: “I’m really happy to be here and to sign for one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League.
“I’m very, very excited to put on the black and white shirt. I’ve got dreams, I’ve got faith and now I will do my best to make it all happen. I can’t wait to get started.”
Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe added: “Yoane is a player who we have admired for some time and we’re delighted to have him on board.
“He brings proven Premier League quality, demonstrated not only by his goalscoring output but also the crucial work he does for the team.
“Yoane’s style of play will excite our supporters and complement our style of play – he has pace, power and an excellent work rate. He immediately makes us stronger.”
Here’s how fans reacted following on from what Yoane Wissa had to say on joining Newcastle after demanding to leave Brentford…
@TindallHearts:
Stark opposite to Isaks interview
Clearly very happy ✅
Professional ✅
Respectful ✅
Interviewer asking about Brentford out of respect…. nothing from Liverpools….. they are a parasite of a club who have signed a parasite of a player. A match made in hell ✅
@Saintbazza10: This interview is absolutely class kinda annoying we didn’t do something like this for all our signings tbh
@Don_Falcone2: Disappointing. I wanted a Newcastle stye Isak statement. You have been far too nice booooooooooo
@ryandenton13: As a Newcastle fan I wish yous the best for the season and apologise yous have had a similar issue
@mistergeeeee: As a Newcastle fan, I’m not particularly happy with the manner in which the move came about. Between this and Isak I think it’s a worrying trend towards player power.
@themagicbeatle:
“I’m better when I’m loved”
He’s go no idea what’s coming
@cirving18: Love it! Great to see someone so excited to play for the club and fans. The Cisse video at the end is class, Wissa looked made up.
@AnthMilburn17: Love this 👏 Can tell hes off home to watch the rest of the Amazon documentary 🤣
@Donnaha77: Awww just love him already! I was hoping for him to join us all the way through the window and I’ve shouted it loud! Fantastic character ❤️ do our iconic number 9 proud wissa, I know you will 💯
@TheMagpie15: Don’t believe all Newcastle fans agree with this, just like Isak this behaviour is wrong. Whilst the fan base will support him, trust that we know and understand the anger that Brentford fans will have towards Wissa. Rule amendments are needed to stop players behaving like this!
@Liamy1983: Love this from toon. Not afraid to ask the right questions. Totally shames 🐀 boy here. My man Wissaaaaaaaaa
@ToonArmy757: Not a fan of what has happened, wish it didn’t. Football is becoming unrecognizable IMO. Good luck this season
@MattyFNUFC18: Done to you what Isak done to us, grim.
True eye opener watching both player interviews back to back
Yoane Wissa buzzing to be at Newcastle, speaks well about the club and comes across as genuine
Alexander Isak repeated the same phrases, lacked emotion and came across as incredibly disingenuous to Liverpool#NUFC pic.twitter.com/63ZcsIfB5Y
— Adam Pearson (YT) ⚫️⚪️ (@AdamP1242) September 1, 2025
A complete absense of “best wishes”, “always welcome back”, “not a dickhead”. Just a note of losing the African Cup of Nations.
Tells you all you need to know about what the club think about Wissa and his camp’s behaviour over the summer.#BrentfordFC pic.twitter.com/wdVZVAmKfY
— Griffin Park Grapevine (Brentford FC) (@bfcgpg) September 1, 2025
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