Newcastle exploring deal for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, cool interest in Hugo Ekitike

Newcastle United have shifted their transfer focus from Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike to Brentford striker Yoane Wissa. While the club hasn't yet contacted Brentford, they are expected to do so soon, and would also need to agree personal terms with the DR Congo international.

Wissa, 28, was the Premier League's highest non-penalty goalscorer last season with 19 goals in 35 games. His current contract with Brentford expires in June 2026, though the club holds an option to extend it by a further 12 months. Nottingham Forest recently had an offer for him rejected.

Newcastle had prioritized signing Ekitike but had an €80 million bid turned down and are no longer actively pursuing him, especially as Liverpool have reportedly contacted Frankfurt about the 23-year-old. Wissa is a key alternative target, but Brentford's willingness to sell him and his potential price could be influenced by the situation of his teammate Bryan Mbeumo, who is attracting interest from Manchester United.

Any departure of Wissa, who joined Brentford in August 2021, would contribute to significant changes at the club this summer. Manager Thomas Frank, who brought Wissa to England and developed him, has moved to Tottenham along with three backroom staff members. Captain Christian Norgaard has joined Arsenal, and Keith Andrews has been appointed as Frank's replacement.