Keith Andrews changes his view on Newcastle’s move for Brentford striker target
The Yoane Wissa to Newcastle United transfer saga is becoming more toxic by the day, drawing comparisons to the Alexander Isak situation with Liverpool.
After departing Brentford’s pre-season training camp in Portugal to return to London for urgent talks with sporting director Phil Giles, the 28-year-old has since been training away from the squad, having made it clear he wants to leave this summer.
Wissa believes the club is reneging on a verbal promise made to him last year, in which he was reportedly told he could depart the club in the upcoming transfer window.
With Wissa turning 29 next month, he sees a move to Newcastle United as potentially his last shot at playing for a Champions League-level club before age becomes a major factor.
Keith Andrews is now insisting Yoane Wissa will remain a Brentford player
At the start of the summer, Brentford boss Keith Andrews appeared to understand Wissa’s position and seemed open to letting him move, but he has now changed his tune, telling TalkSPORT that Wissa owes him.
“I’ve got a strong bond with Wiss.
“I put a lot of effort into helping him find goals last season. Seven of his 19 goals came from set pieces. He owes me, and honestly, he shouldn’t be leaving!”
Keith Andrews’ shift in tone feels like it came from higher up
It certainly appears that Andrews was told by the board to adopt a firmer line in order to raise Wissa’s price and make it tougher for Newcastle to negotiate a deal.
And fair enough—Brentford aren’t obligated to sell. They’re within their rights to ask for a fee they believe reflects his value. Now it’s up to Newcastle to haggle it down to something they’re comfortable paying.
That won’t be easy, especially now that everyone knows just how badly Newcastle want a striker.
Still, the whole thing feels messy—especially with Wissa recently scrubbing all Brentford-related content from his Instagram. He’s tarnished his reputation with Brentford fans and isn’t exactly winning hearts at Newcastle either, as they deal with drama surrounding their own forward.
