Yoane Wissa issues extraordinary transfer statement to force Newcastle move before deadline

Brentford star Yoane Wissa has broken his silence amid summer links to Newcastle United. The Congolese international issued a lengthy statement on Instagram, in which he accused the London side of standing in the way of a move to the Champions League qualifiers.

The forward, who turns 29 on Wednesday, has not been involved for Keith Andrews' side in the league this season. In mid-August, he removed references to his club from his Instagram account.

Newcastle completed a club-record move for German forward Nick Woltemade on Saturday. They are still expected to sign another attacking player if Alexander Isak leaves, though, and Wissa could be that man.

The Magpies have seen bids rejected, though, with Brentford reportedly holding out for upwards of £50million. It remains to be seen whether Wissa's latest measures are successful in forcing the Bees' hand.

“I have stayed silent for much of the summer, but with just hours remaining of the transfer window I feel compelled make it clear that I want to leave Brentford," Wissa wrote. "I believe the club are unduly standing in my way despite a series of fair offers throughout the summer.

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“Earlier this summer, I held open discussions with the club’s senior management, including key directors and the new head coach. I made clear my intention to explore a new challenge.

“During these conversations, it was confirmed to me and my representatives that the club would not stand in my way if a reasonable offer was received. This was also put in writing. Based on this understanding, I sought to find a new club, keeping Brentford informed with full transparency at every step.

“I received a formal offer from another Premier League club and communicated I wanted to join. I was under the impression, from all my conversations with Brentford, that there was a mutual agreement to part ways.

“Yet as the window comes to an end, the club has now significantly changed its position, going against what was communicated. This has left me in a difficult and frustrating position. The promise that I could leave this summer has not been fulfilled. It saddens me to have to write that, and I maintain total respect for the club and its fans.

“I want to make it clear that I have not acted unprofessionally, nor do I wish to leave Brentford on bad terms. I have been transparent in my position throughout. I have continued to communicate openly with the club and conduct myself in a way that reflects my values as both a footballer and a human being.

“I remain hopeful that a fair and reasonable resolution can still be found before the transfer window shuts. In the meantime, I must do what I feel is right for my career and family and insist that Brentford honour their promise to let me join a new club and at a fair price.

“Being made to stay beyond this summer will only tarnish four wonderful years at this incredible club and so I ask Brentford’s owners and directors to now honour their promise to let me leave in the final hours of the window."

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