The Champions League isn’t the only reason why Yoane Wissa signed for Newcastle United, it seems.
Newcastle United paid around £55million to sign Wissa from Brentford on the final day of a dramatic transfer window, having tracked him for what felt like an age before that.
While that was a lot of money to part with for a player approaching 30 and one who will miss games due to the Africa Cup of Nations later this season, Wissa was a hugely important signing.
Eddie Howe was desperate for Newcastle to sign Wissa, with the theory being that he provided a virtual guarantee of Premier League goals while fellow new arrival Nick Woltemade develops.
Still, both player and club were hit by a big blow even before he made his debut. Wissa has suffered a knee injury and is not likely to play before October’s international break.
At some point, however, he will return and while playing in the Champions League is a dream for him, it’s not the only reason why he joined.
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Yoane Wissa impressed by PIF at Newcastle United
The DR Congo international was writing in his programme notes ahead of Thursday’s Champions League defeat to Barcelona.
He revealed that he cannot wait to make his debut for the club and talked of how much he and his family will enjoy competing in the Champions League.
However, Wissa also admitted that he would have signed for Newcastle even without Champions League football, having been impressed by PIF’s project at St James’ Park.
“It was a big part in moving here but I said to my family if I wanted to play Champions League football, I would go elsewhere but I wanted to stay in England,” he wrote.
“Newcastle came along with this project and I was thinking, even without the Champions League, I’d love to be a Newcastle player and play at St. James’ Park. I’m looking forward to making my debut.
“It’s going to be a crazy feeling for me and my family and to play in the Champions League for the first time at the age of 29. It’s another level and such a big stage of football so I’m very excited.”
PIF delighted with Yoane Wissa signing at Newcastle United
Though few would doubt it was a bruising summer for the club, owners PIF are proud of Newcastle’s summer transfer window.
They strengthened the squad significantly and it now looks much more prepared for Champions League football, injuries aside.
The Alexander Isak saga was painful and the sheer number of rejections Newcastle endured obviously didn’t help either.
However, Newcastle came out the other side. When Wissa is fit again, perhaps we’ll see the very best of that.
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