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Yoane Wissa has joined Newcastle United from Brentford after a drawn-out transfer saga
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Newcastle United could be without Yoane Wissa for several games after his £55 million St. James' Park switch. The Brentford forward signed for Eddie Howe's side late on transfer deadline day, after one of the longer transfer sagas of the summer. Newcastle and the Bees' hierarchy - which includes Brentford sporting director and Toon fan Phil Giles - agreed a fee of £55m on Monday morning, giving Wissa the green light to undergo a medical on Tyneside.
Wissa represents DR Congo, who have qualified for the latest edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), set to take place between Sunday, December 21 and Sunday, January 18. Of course, a whole host of Premier League clubs are set to be without some of their key players, including Mohamed Salah at Liverpool and Bryan Mbeumo at Manchester United. But that isn't likely to soften the blow for Newcastle fans.
In terms of Premier League fixtures, Wissa could miss crucial games against Manchester United, Chelsea and Burnley, providing DR Congo are knocked out at the group stage. If they progress, it may spell greater upheaval for the Magpies, with UEFA Champions League football to come during the New Year period. The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week. Newcastle's first three Premier League games after the New Year are Crystal Palace, Leeds United and Wolverhampton Wanderers, whilst the Geordies could also be Wissa-less for a crunch European tie against PSV Eindhoven, should DR Congo have an impressive tournament. At their last AFCON in 2023, the central African nation finished in fourth place, but two years earlier in 2021, did not qualify at all.
The Magpies have added German striker Nick Woltemade to their striker options, with the former Vf B Stuttgart man signing last weekend. His addition is likely to offset Alexander Isak's exit, with the Sweden international agreeing a £130m switch to Liverpool. Matthew Holt writes freelance for Four Four Two, amongst others, and boasts previous experience at GOAL and SPORTBible. He now works with us alongside his time at Manchester United and Reach PLC, aiding with online content for the website. Career highs include working at the FA Cup final, as well as scoring at Old Trafford in front of the Stretford End. A long-term sufferer of his beloved Scunthorpe United, he is often seen on the padel court, as well as occasionally as a six-a-side call-up. You must confirm your public display name before commenting Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
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