Brentford rejected Newcastle\'s improved $54 million offer for striker Yoane Wissa as the Magpies seek attacking reinforcements amid Alexander Isak\'s ongoing transfer dispute. The bid came hours after Isak\'s controversial Instagram post criticizing Newcastle\'s broken promises.
Sources close to the negotiations confirm Newcastle submitted their latest offer following Isak\'s public outburst. The package includes an initial $47 million plus performance-related add-ons, significantly higher than their rejected $34 million opening bid.
Brentford values Wissa between $67-80 million despite the forward having just one year remaining on his contract. The Bees are reluctant to sell after losing manager Thomas Frank to Tottenham, captain Christian Norgaard to Arsenal, and striker Bryan Mbeumo to Manchester United this summer.
Wissa Mirrors Isak\'s Production
The 28-year-old Congo striker scored 19 goals in 35 Premier League appearances last season, all from open play. Isak managed 23 goals in 34 appearances, with four penalties, making Wissa\'s statistics remarkably similar to Newcastle\'s want-away star.
Wissa missed Brentford\'s 3-1 defeat at Nottingham Forest last weekend while pushing for the St James\' Park move. The forward deleted all Brentford references from his social media accounts as transfer pressure mounts.
Deal Timeline Uncertain
Newcastle remains confident of completing the transfer after Brentford signed forward Dango Ouattara as potential cover. Any agreement appears unlikely before Monday\'s Premier League clash between Newcastle and Liverpool at St James\' Park.
Isak continues training separately from Newcastle teammates as he attempts to force a move to Liverpool. Newcastle insists the Swedish striker will not be sold this summer, though Wissa\'s potential arrival could alter that stance.