As Brentford edge towards the first Premier League fixture of the new season, away at Nottingham Forest next Sunday, one truth looms large at the Gtech: we’ve got a 19-goal top-flight striker on the books… and yet, thanks to Yoane Wissa’s standoff, we can’t pick him. Just think about that. If he were fully fit and switched on, even if he still fancied a move away, our new head coach would have far greater belief in our attacking prospects. Instead, here we are, hamstrung by attitude as much as availability.
Wissa’s situation has developed into a real sore point. Last season he hit 19 league goals and provided five assists, but now his future is the subject of relentless speculation. Newcastle United are said to be preparing an improved offer of over £30 million after their opening £25 million bid was turned down, with Brentford holding out for closer to £40 million (The Times). Over in Saudi Arabia, Al-Nassr are reportedly ready to meet the Bees’ valuation outright (CBS Sports).
In the meantime, Wissa hasn’t exactly been a model professional. Reports say he’s been “angry and disappointed” with how the club have handled talks (FourFourTwo), even skipping training before returning reluctantly to the fold (Football Today). That return didn’t stop him being left out of the friendly against Borussia Mönchengladbach, a decision which only fuelled the feeling that an exit is coming sooner rather than later (The Guardian).
And let’s be blunt… his mood and actions are actively undermining our ability to threaten in attack. He wants Champions League football – perhaps with Newcastle – but in doing so he’s robbing the Brentford faithful of a proper crack at the start of this campaign. With Bryan Mbeumo already gone to Manchester United and Nunes crocked again, our front line looks worryingly toothless. We’ve been left trying to piece together a Plan B before Plan A has even had the chance to take the pitch.
Had Wissa been present, fit and prepared to put in a shift, even while plotting his future elsewhere, Keith Andrews would at least have had options, flexibility and some semblance of balance in the side up top. Instead, we’re heading into the opening weekend knowing our most potent forward from last season won’t be leading the line. That’s not just frustrating… it’s infuriating. It’s a massive blow.
The reality is that Wissa’s attitude has played a significant role in leaving us looking blunt in attack. For a club like Brentford, where every edge counts, that’s a problem we simply can’t afford right now… will the club also realistically ‘replace’ him in the transfer market before his situation is fully resolved?
As supporters, we turn up every week expecting to see fight, unity and purpose. Right now, we’re not getting it from one of our biggest names. And if, by some twist, Wissa were to perform a public mea culpa, pleading for forgiveness, making grand gestures of loyalty, vowing to stay, would we even want him back? Can there truly be an emergency reverse from this, or has he already crossed the point of no return?
For many, his actions have completely soured his standing with the club and permanently damaged the connection with supporters. It is not only an insult to the club and the fans, but also to Wissa’s teammates. Surely it is now simply a case of good riddance to a player who has chosen self-interest over the club’s cause?
Dave Lane
Couldn’t agree more. Now with Newcastle saying Isak won’t be leaving that hope seems to be fading. It’s a real shame because up to this point he’s really been a loyal and positive players, now his record will have an asterisk for “wanker” next to it.
If the Al Nassr rumour is true, we should accept and tell the other interested clubs to put up or shut up. Thiago looks fit and eager this season, and I have confidence we could find a more than competent replacement before September.
This may be the first time I don’t quite agree. Perhaps I am in denial but it’s hard to believe Wissa has gone from the most positive person around the club to someone who is willingly turning us over. Up to now, I am yet to read any concrete evidence from multiple media outlets – his relationship with Keith Andrews, what the club promised him, how his agents have acted, or any other significant facts.
It’s been a bonkers summer I did not expect. One which has left me nervous about the season ahead. I think we have enough on the pitch to keep us above relegation but the biggest unknown is Keith Andrews and whether he has what it takes. Early signs are mixed for me, the recent mic’d up video on YouTube suggests he may be someone who is trying a little too hard to win the players over. And I also suspect he is a big fan of a player who I have never had faith in at premiership level – Matty Jensen.
One silver lining I think fans will see hopefully sooner rather than later is Romelle Donovan. I rate him and he might just turn out to be Bryan’s replacement.
No doubt – it’s a big problem that needs fixing quickly.
The supporting cast behind the front men are going to have to really step up this season & contribute some goals (Nunes, KLP, Carvalho, Milambo, Damsgaard).
Maybe Donovan is the answer. He looks really exciting
It’s a real shame how Wissa has handled himself this summer. Had he kept his nut down & got on with training & friendlies as he should have done, the situation would be different. Never thought this player (of all players in the squad) would be behaving this way! Even Ivan Toney kept things professional when he was looking for a move away.
Wissa has let the fans, his teammates & KA down big time – not to mention himself.
If Al Nassr are genuinely keen – then let’s take their cash & sell quickly so we can sort out a replacement.
Completely agree that KA needs another attacking option. If Thiago and/or Schade pick up injuries I’m definitely nervous about our ability to score goals.
We’re going to find out what KA is made of pretty quickly with our 1st 6 games. If we can pick up 7 points I think we’re doing well. 2 wins & a draw would be a good start – especially if we can win away at Sunderland.
Forest is going to be a very interesting game this wk end