Newcastle's Pursuit of Wissa Hits Snag as Forward Returns to Brentford Training Yoane Wissa has rejoined Brentford training amidst ongoing transfer speculation linking him with a move to Newcastle United. Despite Newcastle's persistent interest, including a reported £40m bid, Brentford are holding firm, and the DR Congo international's future remains uncertain as the transfer window nears its close.

Wissa Back in the Fold, But Future Still Unclear The 28-year-old forward was absent from Brentford's Premier League season opener against Nottingham Forest, having previously expressed a desire to leave the club. However, head coach Keith Andrews confirmed Wissa's return to training this week, leaving the door open for a potential appearance against Aston Villa this weekend.

"He's [Yoane Wissa] been training with the team," Andrews stated. "In terms of being involved this weekend I'll make a decision on the squad on Saturday. He's been part of the group this week."

Andrews reiterated his desire to keep Wissa at the club, stating, "My stance around Yoane all along is that I don't want him to leave. I don't want to lose a player of that quality, and that hasn't really changed throughout the whole episode. So hopefully he is here in the next 10 or 12 days. That is what I would like."

Newcastle's Bids Fall Short of Brentford's Valuation Newcastle's pursuit of Wissa has been well-documented, with the club seeking to bolster their attacking options ahead of their Champions League campaign. While Newcastle reopened talks with Brentford, sources indicate that their latest offer, a £35m initial fee with a further £5m in add-ons, failed to meet Brentford's valuation of the player.

This highlights the increasingly challenging landscape of Premier League transfers, where valuations can be subjective and negotiations often protracted. Brentford's strong financial position allows them to resist offers they deem insufficient, particularly for a player of Wissa's proven quality.

Historical Context: Brentford's Transfer Strategy and Player Valuation Brentford's approach to transfers is rooted in data analysis and a clear valuation system. They have consistently demonstrated a willingness to sell players when their valuation is met, reinvesting the funds to strengthen the squad. This strategy has been instrumental in their rise to the Premier League and their sustained success in the top flight.

Dr. Dan Plumley, a football finance expert at Sheffield Hallam University, notes: "Brentford have a well-defined model that prioritizes value. They are unlikely to be swayed by external pressure or emotional attachments. They will only sell Wissa if the offer is right, regardless of Newcastle's Champions League aspirations."

Analyst's View: Impact of Wissa's Potential Departure Football analyst Alan Shearer commented: "Wissa's goals were vital for Brentford last season. Losing him would be a significant blow, especially after Mbeumo’s departure. While Brentford have brought in Ouattara, replacing Wissa's experience and Premier League know-how won't be easy. For Newcastle, Wissa would add pace and a direct threat, qualities that Howe clearly values."

Recent Developments: Wissa's Social Media Activity and Brentford's Recruitment Earlier in the week, Wissa removed all Brentford-related content from his Instagram account, further fueling speculation about his potential move. However, his return to training suggests a willingness to reintegrate into the squad, at least for the time being.

Brentford's recent acquisition of Dango Ouattara from Bournemouth for a club-record fee could be seen as a preemptive move to address the potential departure of Wissa. However, the loss of Bryan Mbeumo to Manchester United earlier in the summer has already weakened their attacking options, making Wissa's continued presence even more crucial.

Looking Ahead: The Final Days of the Transfer Window With the transfer window closing soon, the coming days will be crucial in determining Wissa's future. Newcastle must decide whether to increase their offer to meet Brentford's valuation, while Brentford must weigh the financial benefits of a sale against the potential impact on their squad.

Newcastle United need to improve their attack for the Champions League. Brentford are known for their tough negotiation tactics. Wissa scored 19 goals last season.

The situation remains fluid, and the final outcome will depend on a complex interplay of factors, including player desire, club valuations, and the ticking clock of the transfer window.