The transfer drama at St. James’ Park has taken another explosive turn as a Premier League striker has demanded to leave his club in order to replace Alexander Isak at Newcastle United.
Brentford star Yoane Wissa has again asked his club to let him go, with Newcastle putting a £40 million package on the table. Wissa believes there was a pact for his exit this summer, and he is pushing hard for the green light to join Eddie Howe’s project.
This twist comes just days after Newcastle’s top striker, Alexander Isak, released his own explosive statement about wanting to leave the Magpies. With Liverpool circling and tensions rising, Newcastle are moving quickly to secure Wissa as a replacement.
The 27-year-old Congolese forward has been one of Brentford’s most reliable players since his arrival in 2021. Known for his pace, power, and work ethic, Wissa has proven he can trouble the league’s best defenders.
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But this saga is not only about Wissa. It’s also fueled by the words of Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, who recently named Isak among the toughest strikers he has ever faced in the Premier League.
Speaking on a TikTok live stream, Van Dijk said: “Haaland, Isak, Watkins, Kane… there are plenty. Everyone has a different challenge. I respect them all because the Premier League is the hardest league in the world.”
That verdict highlighted just how highly Isak is regarded among defenders, and why his exit would leave Newcastle with a massive hole to fill.
For Wissa, stepping in as Isak’s successor is no small challenge. But sources close to the player insist he is motivated and ready to take on the responsibility.
One insider revealed: “Yoane feels Brentford made a promise to let him leave if the right chance came. He respects the club, but believes Newcastle is where he belongs next season.”
Wissa is said to be excited by Newcastle’s growing project. Under Eddie Howe, the Magpies have turned into one of the Premier League’s most ambitious sides, regularly challenging the big six and pushing for European football.
With Isak unsettled, Newcastle see Wissa as the perfect forward to keep their attack sharp. His versatility across the frontline makes him an attractive option for Howe’s system.
Brentford, however, are not ready to lose him easily. The Bees know Wissa is central to their survival hopes, and selling him this late in the window could prove risky.
Still, the weight of Newcastle’s £40m bid, combined with Wissa’s determination, has left the situation on a knife edge.
The pressure on Brentford’s board is increasing daily. Fans are watching closely, and many worry about what losing Wissa would mean for their season.
Meanwhile, Newcastle fans are buzzing at the possibility. Social media is already flooded with comments calling Wissa a “fighter” who could fit perfectly into Howe’s squad.
But the comparison with Isak remains unavoidable. The Swedish striker’s brilliance, highlighted by Van Dijk’s praise, has set the standard high. Whoever steps into his place will face huge expectations.
If Wissa’s move goes through, it would connect two of the window’s biggest stories: Isak forcing his way out, and Wissa forcing his way in.
It also underlines the new power dynamics in football, where players are increasingly vocal about promises made behind closed doors.
For Newcastle, it’s about survival at the top level. They cannot afford to lose Isak without a strong replacement, and Wissa may now be their best shot.
The coming days will decide everything. Will Brentford honor the pact Wissa believes exists? Or will they resist and risk keeping an unhappy player?
What’s clear is that Van Dijk’s verdict on Isak has added even more weight to Newcastle’s urgency. If Isak is one of the hardest defenders have faced, then finding his replacement is no simple task.
And that’s why Wissa’s demand has just become one of the most explosive transfer stories of the summer.
