2 weeks ago
10
Isak replacement?
©IMAGO
On Monday Newcastle United confirmed the signing of Brentford forward Yoane Wissa as their final act of transfer deadline day. In what was one of the most drawn out transfer sagas of the window, the 29-year-old forward makes the move to St James' Park for a reported fixed fee of €63.5m, with half being paid now and the further instalment being paid next year. Although, Newcastle sources insist the fee is closer to €57m and rises to €63.5m. A 25 per cent sell-on clause has also been included.
"I'm really happy to be here and to sign for one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League," said Wissa in a club statement on Newcastle's website. "I'm very, very excited to put on the black and white shirt. I've got dreams, I've got faith and now I will do my best to make it all happen. I can't wait to get started." Eddie Howe added: "Yoane is a player who we have admired for some time and we're delighted to have him on board. He brings proven Premier League quality, demonstrated not only by his goalscoring output but also the crucial work he does for the team. Yoane's style of play will excite our supporters and complement our style of play - he has pace, power and an excellent work rate. He immediately makes us stronger."
At such a price, it now makes Wissa the third most expensive Premier League transfer for a player aged 28 or over in the division's history. The only two deals for more being Romelu Lukaku's €113m switch from Inter Milan to Chelsea when the Belgian striker was 28-years-old, and Casemiro's €70.7m move from Real Madrid to Manchester United when he was 30 years of age. What makes the fee even more striking is the fact that Wissa actually turns 29 years old on September 3 in two days time. The Congolese forward has Premier League proven quality and bagged 19 goals in the league last season, but the fee is very high for a player of his age.
