Purchasing Yoan Wissa from Brentford for a staggering £55m was supposed to be the ultimate gesture to strengthen Eddie Howe’s attacking line-up.
Within a year, the atmosphere on Tyneside had completely deteriorated.
According to The Athletic, the Magpies are already actively exploring ways to offload the 29-year-old forward this summer, preparing for one of the earliest and most expensive U-turns in recent Premier League history.
To say that Ouisa finds life difficult in the Northeast would be a huge understatement. The transition from the G-Tech Community Stadium to the intense and demanding St James Park was a huge struggle for the attackers.
Yoan Wissa continues to struggle with Newcastle United
In 24 appearances in all competitions this season, the Democratic Republic of Congo international has scored three goals in total, compared to just one in the Premier League.
For a £55 million investment, this return is shocking. Wissa was an incredible talent during his time at Brentford, thriving in Thomas Frank’s fluid counter-attacking system and consistently stepping up in key moments.
But under Eddie Howe, he looked visibly lost. He has struggled to adapt to the relentless high-octane pressing trigger required by Newcastle’s system, often looking physically isolated against defenses that sit deep.
Wissa wants to prove himself at St James’ Park
Wissa never wants to leave. Despite the club’s leadership actively trying to promote him, the forward is reportedly determined to stand his ground, prove his doubters wrong and fight for his place at the club.
Newcastle’s owners are aware of the Premier League’s strict Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). It would be a financial nightmare for a £55m asset to be rapidly depleted on the bench while contributing one goal in a league game.
If they want to reinvest heavily into the team this summer, perhaps they will need to finally secure the dynamic right-winger they were looking for, waive Wissa’s salary and try to recoup even a fraction of that transfer fee.
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