4 hours ago
1
Newcastle's pursuit of Brentford striker Yoane Wissa could be given a lift, as the London club is eyeing replacements.
Eddie Howe's side has had a hectic summer off the pitch due to the ongoing Alexander Isak saga. The Swedish player remains unavailable, as he seeks to secure a move to Liverpool before the transfer deadline. However, it's been widely reported that Newcastle finding suitable replacements for both Isak and the already departed Callum Wilson will be crucial to any potential exit.
Wissa, like Isak, is also on strike in an attempt to force a move to St. James' Park and realise his dream of playing Champions League soccer.
On Monday, the 28-year-old made his position clear by removing all references to his current club from Instagram and unfollowing them.
Brentford, having already sold Bryan Mbeumo to Manchester United this summer, seems reluctant to approve Wissa's departure unless it can secure a replacement.
According to French outlet Le10Sport, this could come in the form of a surprise move for a former player, Neal Maupay.
The French forward currently plays in Ligue 1 with Marseille but is expected to leave this summer.
The outlet reports that Brentford has now joined the race for the 29-year-old and contacted Marseille to discuss the terms of a potential transfer, although no formal bid has yet been submitted.
Brentford could face a challenge in its pursuit.
Clubs such as Lille, Udinese, and Genoa are also reportedly interested in the player.
Since his move to Marseille in the summer of 2024, initially on loan from Everton, Maupay has netted four goals and provided four assists in 24 appearances across all competitions.
His previous stint at Brentford was more successful, however, with 49 goals and 17 assists in 126 appearances.
If Maupay joins Brentford, that could be the first domino to fall in Isak's proposed move to Liverpool.
By bringing in Maupay, Brentford may allow Wissa to join Newcastle, which may encourage the Magpies to sell Isak to Liverpool and end one of the biggest transfer sagas of the summer.
English (US) ·