Newcastle United appeared to have ended a difficult summer transfer window on a positive note by signing Yoane Wissa.
While Newcastle United arguably overpaid for Wissa by agreeing a deal that could eventually rise to as high as £55million, there’s little doubt he’s a hugely important addition to the ranks.
The 29-year-old brings a proven track record of Premier League goals. As such, he could have theoretically eased the burden on club-record signing Nick Woltemade.
However, there would be another dramatic twist to the saga. Following a knee issue sustained while away on international duty, Wissa will not play for Newcastle before October due to injury.
Having waited so long for him to arrive, the fact he’s going to miss out on so much action is a source of major frustration behind the scenes.
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Newcastle United players frustrated by Yoane Wissa injury
According to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, everyone behind the scenes is frustrated by Wissa’s injury.
“Without doubt, from what I’m hearing, a huge frustration to Eddie Howe, his coaching staff and I think all the other players as well, who were all hoping that there would be two decent options at the top end of the pitch to replace the departed Alexander Isak,” he said.
It should be noted, of course, that the frustration of the Newcastle United squad or Eddie Howe is not because of the fact Wissa played for DR Congo over the international break.
Rather, they are reportedly merely frustrated that, just as they thought they had two strikers on which to lean following a painful summer, Wissa was ruled out of action before even training with his new teammates.
Eddie Howe addresses Yoane Wissa’s price tag for the first time
Wissa could end up costing Newcastle £55million, which is an awful lot of money for a player approaching 30.
Still, if he replicates what he did for Brentford, it’s hard to imagine many people caring too much about the money involved.
Speaking ahead of Newcastle’s Carabao Cup game against Bradford, the Newcastle United manager addressed Wissa’s price tag for the first real time. He suggested the injury blow was made all the more difficult by the sheer amount of money the club paid to sign Wissa.
“We didn’t even see Yoane,” he said.
“He’s come back injured, and that was a difficult one, having outlaid the money that we have. We have to deal with it. I think, touch wood, it’s not a long-term injury. We get through the next few games and then he’ll be back.”
Wissa will hope to feature for Newcastle when they head down to Brighton on Saturday, 18 October, 2025.
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