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A recent article by a Daily Mail journalist claims that Brentford promised Yoane Wissa a move this summer. Let’s be absolutely clear – this is not true.

If you’re a regular listener to the Pride of West London podcast, you’ll know we’ve consistently said: it was never Brentford’s intention to sell both Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa in the same transfer window. That’s not how the club operates, and it’s not how we build sustainable success.

Let’s set the record straight: Wissa was never promised a move this summer. Watkins was promised. Yes. Maupay was promised. Yes.

On last year’s High Performance podcast with Jake Humphries, Ollie Watkins shared the story of how he agreed to sign his Brentford contract based purely on a verbal promise from Matthew Benham and Phil Giles. They told him that if Brentford failed to secure promotion that season, they would sell him to a Premier League club. He emphasised that it didn’t need to be written down, because it was “never in doubt, they’re people of their word.”

Any potential Wissa departure would be strictly on Brentford’s terms – and only if the valuation is met. Right now, Wissa is an important part of this squad, and his value to the club is significant. If that changes in six months or a year, so be it. But today, he is not for sale on the cheap, and that’s the end of it.

 

Clubs that try to force our hand are in for a rude awakening. Gone are the days when Brentford could be bullied into submission. Who remembers the DJ Campbell sale for just £500k? That deal arguably cost us promotion. Never again.

Why is it that clubs like Spurs and Manchester United can demand sky-high fees for players they deem valuable, yet Brentford are questioned when we do the same? If a club wants one of our players, they’ll need to meet our valuation. Simple as that.

As the saying goes: put up or shut up.

I’ve seen some people trying to deflect blame away from the player himself, suggesting it’s the agent who’s causing the disruption.

Let’s be clear: the agent works for the player. They act on the player’s instructions. So blaming the agent is a moot point.

The reality – and some may not want to hear this –  is that Wissa has asked for a move. And the way he’s going about it feels more in line with how James Tarkowski and Adam Forshaw behaved – both of whom essentially downed tools to force a transfer – rather than how Ollie Watkins or Bryan Mbeumo handled similar situations. Those two also wanted moves but worked closely with the club to ensure everything was done properly and respectfully.

Ultimately, the club is in control. Brentford holds all the cards. Wissa is under contract, and if the club decides not to sell, there’s very little he can do. If he chooses to sulk or refuses to play, his market value will drop quickly – and that’s not in his interest either.

No doubt, there’s a bit of diplomacy going on behind the scenes at the club right now – calmly explaining to the player, once the dust has settled, the reality of the situation and the best way forward for both parties.

And let’s not forget: players need to remember their manners too. Most do: they understand and respect the vision Brentford is building. But for those who don’t, perhaps it’s time for a gentle reminder.

Billy Grant