Yoane Wissa has accused Brentford of unfairly blocking his desired exit from the club, claiming the Bees have gone back on verbal and written agreements.
Wissa gets desperate with social media statementStriker determined to leave BrentfordAccuses club of breaking promises to himFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
In frustration as the summer transfer deadline fast approaches, Wissa took to social media to present his side of the story. The striker spoke of the "open discussions" he held with Brentford officials about wanting to leave and suggested there is written confirmation of the Bees agreeing to let him go in the event of a fair offer. The 28-year-old said there have been a "series" of such proposals that have all been turned down, accusing the club of breaking a promise to him. He insists he has acted professionally throughout.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Newcastle are known to have been chasing Wissa as they try to prepare for a future without Alexander Isak, who ironically made a similar public statement blasting the Magpies in an effort to join Liverpool. A big money deal for Nick Woltemade has already been concluded that could unlock the Isak saga, but raking in a British-record transfer fee for the Swede would make funds available to still go after Wissa as well. So far, a £40 million ($54m) has been tabled.
WHAT WISSA SAID
"Over the past few weeks, there has been increased speculation about my future at Brentford Football Club. As a result, I wanted to speak directly and honestly about exactly where things stand," Wissa said in the lengthy statement shared as an story.
"I have stayed silent for much of the summer, but with just hours remaining of the transfer window I feel compelled make it clear that I want to leave Brentford. I believe the club are unduly standing in my way despite a series of fair offers throughout the summer.
"I have always given 100 percent for Brentford since the day I signed back in 2021. I am proud of what we have built together and have never taken the opportunity to play for the club for granted. Brentford fans will always have a special place in my heart. And I have always conducted myself professionally, both on and off the pitch. It has been a privilege to wear this shirt for 149 games and celebrate 49 goals.
"Earlier this summer, I held open discussions with the club's senior management, including key directors and the new head coach. I made clear my intention to explore a new challenge. During these conversations, it was confirmed to me and my representatives that the club would not stand in my way if a reasonable offer was received. This was also put in writing.
"Based on this understanding, I sought to find a new club, keeping Brentford informed with full transparency at every step. I received a formal offer from another Premier League club and communicated I wanted to join. I was under the impression, from all my conversations with Brentford, that there was a mutual agreement to part ways. Yet as the window comes to an end, the club has now significantly changed its position, going against what was communicated. This has left me in a difficult and frustrating position. The promise that I could leave this summer has not been fulfilled. It saddens me to have to write that, and I maintain total respect for the club and its fans.
"I want to make it clear that I have not acted unprofessionally, nor do I wish to leave Brentford on bad terms. I have been transparent in my position throughout. I have continued to communicate openly with the club and conduct myself in a way that reflects my values as both a footballer and a human being. I remain hopeful that a fair and reasonable resolution can still be found before the transfer window shuts.
"In the meantime, I must do what I feel is right for my career and family and insist that Brentford honour their promise to let me join a new club and at a fair price. I want to thank all the Brentford fans for their support and understanding during this difficult situation. Your energy and belief in me has always meant a great deal. This has never been about walking away from what is a fantastic football club. It's about being allowed to move forward with Brentford's blessing based on repeated promises that I could leave for a new chapter this summer.
"Being made to stay beyond this summer will only tarnish four wonderful years at this incredible club and so I ask Brentford's owners and directors to now honour their promise to let me leave in the final hours of the window."
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?
If an offer that meets Brentford's reported £60m ($81m) asking price is presented, it could yet trigger a move for Wissa to Newcastle. But that is substantially more than the Magpies have been willing to pay and it could require a lot of negotiating in only a short space time. Much might also depend on how quickly a potential move for Isak to Liverpool can happen. Brentford boss Keith Andrews revealed last week a belief that Wissa can still be reintegrated, but that could be tougher than ever now.