Yoane Wissa has become the centre of attention at Brentford after a series of social media moves that appear to signal his dissatisfaction with the club. The Congolese forward unfollowed Brentford on Instagram, deleted all pictures of himself in the club’s colours, and replaced his profile image with a plain black photo. In modern football, such gestures rarely go unnoticed, and in this case, they have added fuel to speculation about his future in West London.
The timing of Wissa’s online actions is significant. They come amid ongoing links to Newcastle United, who are actively pursuing reinforcements as they prepare for another season of European football. Reports in England suggest that Eddie Howe sees Wissa as a strong addition to his attack, with the forward’s versatility and experience in the Premier League making him a natural fit. Wissa has shown he can operate across the front line, either through the middle or on the wings, a quality Newcastle value as they aim to balance the demands of both domestic and continental competitions.
But Brentford’s stance has complicated matters. The club have reportedly placed a £60 million valuation on Wissa, more than double the £26 million initially discussed. This has effectively stalled negotiations and left the 28-year-old frustrated. He is believed to have turned down approaches from Saudi Arabia, despite the financial incentives, making clear that his priority is not money but the chance to test himself at the highest level in Europe.
The frustration is understandable when you consider Wissa’s trajectory. Since joining Brentford from Lorient in 2021, he has developed into an integral part of Thomas Frank’s system. His direct running, pressing intensity, and ability to stretch defences have been crucial in giving Brentford an edge in attack. More importantly, he has stepped up in moments when the team needed him most, particularly during Ivan Toney’s suspension, when he carried a heavier share of the attacking responsibility. For a player of his calibre, the desire to move on to a club competing in the Champions League is a natural progression.
In football today, players increasingly use social media to make statements that once required formal interviews. By unfollowing Brentford and removing club-related content, Wissa has sent a clear message without uttering a word publicly. These actions apply pressure on the club’s hierarchy, invite media attention, and stir up debate among fans. It is not a new tactic; Raheem Sterling, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Jadon Sancho are among those who have taken similar steps in recent years. For Wissa, it signals a calculated attempt to highlight his discontent and push the conversation about his future further into the spotlight.
Brentford’s dilemma
The situation leaves Brentford facing a difficult choice. Wissa is not just another squad player, he is central to their attacking identity. His ability to combine pace, movement, and end product makes him a player Brentford can ill afford to lose. Yet keeping him against his will risks creating tension in the dressing room and potentially diminishing his performances on the pitch.
The club’s valuation shows how highly they rate him, but it also reflects the modern Premier League transfer market, where proven attackers command premium fees. From Brentford’s perspective, they are justified in demanding a figure that compensates for losing one of their most reliable performers. For Newcastle, the question is whether to match that valuation or move on to alternative targets.
The bigger picture, however, is about ambition. Wissa wants to play Champions League football, and Newcastle represent that pathway. Brentford, on the other hand, want to retain a player who embodies their style of play. Between those two positions lies the tension that his social media activity has now made impossible to ignore.
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