(Credit: Imago)

Jack Heath

Sat 23 August 2025 14:04, UK

The actions of Yoane Wissa are going under the radar because of the ongoing Alexander Isak saga, according to Paul Merson.

Newcastle bid rejected again after Yoane Wissa takes transfer saga to Brentford owner	Alexander Isak arrives at Newcastle alone after his bombshell outburst, as Alan Shearer calls behaviour 'nonsensical' and £40m Toon bid for replacement Yoane Wissa is 'REJECTED'	Newcastle could sign Yoane Wissa and keep Alexander Isak in stunning twist

The summer transfer window has been dominated by the slim pickings of strikers in world football with Isak’s continuing links to Liverpool the main headline.

His presumed exit would have been a domino effect to likely pave the way for Brentford‘s Premier League top scorer to come to St James’ Park with Wissa looking to force a move to Newcastle.

The Congolese’s lack of involvement in the Bees’ season so far has appeared to have been lost amid the noise around the Swede, with Isak taking criticism from all angles in the North East.

The number 14 is still intends to bag his move to Anfield this summer (Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media)

Speaking on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday (23 August, 12.07pm), the former Arsenal midfielder gave his views on where the Magpies’ number 14 will end up when the transfer window shuts at the end of August.

The ex-Gunner said that the Sweden international will end up: “At Liverpool, yeah I do [think so]… Daws [Michael Dawson] said it a couple of weeks ago that after Monday’s game it’ll be sorted out, I think he’s spot on.

“It’s gotta be sorted out, these players now don’t need the money to pay their mortgage, he can sit there for another six months if he wants, they might as well take the money now.

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“He doesn’t want to play, he’s lost his legacy.

It’s not the first time and it won’t be the last time.”

Merson then added that the winner of the ongoing saga is Brentford’s goal-getter, saying: “the only one that’s gained out of this is Wissa at Brentford, because no-one’s mentioning him.”

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The Congolese international removed all posts related to Brentford off of his Instagram as he looks to force through a move

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Football Insider verdict

During the whole saga between the Toon and their main number nine, I have been surprised that they have been so reluctant to let him go when receiving hefty offers over £100million.

The club desperately need the influx of funds in order to vastly improve areas of the squad, yet, by turning down monumental offers they are only hurting themselves in progressing as a club.

Moreover, evidently Wissa is striving to play Champions League football, which Newcastle will provide, and will drop everything to join the club.

Yoane Wissa all competitions 2024-25Appearances39Minutes played3,077Goals20Assists4(Source: Sofascore)

So, surely getting rid of one forward who is disinterested and disengaged with the Magpies can be replaced by the Bees striker who is eager to play under Eddie Howe.

It is a rather strange handling by the club on Tyneside and, with better planning, they could have easily sorted out the situation weeks in advance to capitalise on the discontent of both players.

However, as we have seen, this has been the focal point of Newcastle’s abysmal transfer window with lack of vision or intensity to get deals over-the-line.
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