Yoane Wissa was signed in the last seconds (quite literally) of the 2025 transfer window.

The infamous Summer window of 2025 was one that had been dominated by the Alexander Isak saga, with Newcastle's star man pulling out of all pre-season games and refusing to play in any of Newcastle's first three league games as he desperately tried to force his way out of United and get a move to Liverpool. Instagram posts saying he'd never play for the club again, agent placed storied with sympathetic journalists pushing for a move and the Premier Leagues favourite press outlets in a frenzy at the thought of one of the worlds best strikers signing for their beloved 'legacy club'. It was all a lot for fans of Newcastle to take.

Newcastle had tried and failed to sign a host of players, as they at least attempted to sign replacements that were of a standard that would be fit for a Champions League club. Time and time again though players would seemingly choose either perceived more existing projects (Chelsea) or money (Manchester United who had just finished 5th bottom of the PL and had no European football) or both.

In the final days of the window however Newcastle landed the highly rated Woltemade for a club record £68m, a player seems as the future of German football as a striker. But with his inexperience and having allowed Calum Wilson to leave (given his age and continued injury issues) another 'proven' striker was needed.

Just as Isak had forced his way out of Newcastle, Wissa was doing the same at Brentford. He himself had taken to social media to say he wanted away. Wissa would point to a 'written agreement' as his reason for taking such drastic action (as he also refused to play and / or was not being picked in the first three games with his club). Either way, there were parallels to be drawn between the two players actions.

Brentford knew Newcastle were desperate. A £55m price tag their reward for having taken Wissa to the top few goalscorers in the league in 24/25. A lot of money for man who turned 29 just two days later.