Newcastle loses close to losing the race for Hugo Ekitike from Liverpool, but Eddie How's Kant already has a backup plan, a player proven in the Premier League
The hope of Newcastle to sign Yoane Wissa as an alternative to Hugo Ekitike has received a big boost. Brentford striker Wissa was identified after Liverpool pushed the magpies aside in the race for £ 86 million Rated Ekitike.
Earlier this week, the Frenchman had been the subject of a £ 70 million offer from Newcastle, which was rejected by Eintracht Frankfurt. Eddie Howe wanted Ekitike, 23, to play alongside Alexander Isak, but that plan became Liverpool.
Initially, the Premier League champions had their sights on Isak, but Newcastle insisted that he is not for sale. Even if the Park Chiefs of St James were forced to sell him, they would demand a transfer costs from British record of at least £ 125 million.
That led Liverpool to turn to Ekitike and she quickly stole a march on Newcastle. The Frankfurt star has agreed personal conditions with Liverpool, who in advanced conversations with the Bundesliga Club.
In the meantime, Newcastle has drawn their attention to Wissa, who, according to them, can also play alongside Isak. Brentford is reluctant to sell, especially after losing manager Thomas Frank to Tottenham, Captain Christian Norgaard sold to Arsenal and accepting an £ 71 million bid for Bryan Mbeumo from Manchester United in recent weeks.
Desperate not to lose any other star, Brentford tried to open contract discussions with Wissa, whose current deal ends in 12 months. But BBC Sport reports that the 28-year-old has made it clear that he wants to leave the club.
Newcastle is not the only club that weigh a move for Wissa, which last season won 20 goals and became the leading goal scorer of Brentford in the Premier League history. Tottenham and Nottingham Forest also registered their interest, with the latter not signing him in January after an £ 25 million offer.
All three clubs can the Dr. Congo International offer the opportunity to play European football. Brentford paid only £ 8.5 million to sign Wissa from the French club Lorient in 2021.
Which club should Yoane Wissa participate – Newcastle, Tottenham or Nottingham Forest? Let us know in the commentary section.
In May, Brentford director of Football Phil Giles said that the bees were 'pretty relaxed' about the future of Mbeumo and Wissa. “If I watched a striker or a broad player like another club, they should be on a shortlist, you would imagine,” recognized Giles, speaking against the BBC.
“But the number of clubs she can sign is a small number worldwide, so time will learn or a club that needs or requires. We are currently quite relaxed.”