Brentford Forward Yoane Wissa Excluded from Season Opener
Brentford forward Yoane Wissa will not participate in the Premier League opener against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, according to Bees manager Keith Andrews.
Andrews made this decision amid uncertainties surrounding Wissa's future at the club, following Newcastle United's rejected bid of £25 million plus £5 million in add-ons for the 28-year-old player.
Brentford has set a higher valuation for the DR Congo international, while Wissa is reportedly eager to join a club that can provide Champions League football.
After leaving the team's pre-season training camp in Portugal in July due to Newcastle's interest, Wissa threatened to refuse to play for Brentford if he wasn't allowed to transfer to St James' Park.
He only resumed first-team training earlier this month after discussions with Andrews.
"I have made a decision that he is not available," Andrews stated, as his team prepares to face Forest at 14:00 BST on Sunday. "It has been a very disrupted pre-season, and I think you are aware of the interest in Yoane."
Wissa, who joined Brentford from Lorient in August 2021, scored 19 Premier League goals last season, contributing to the Bees' 10th-place finish in the league.
Andrews added, "I’m very clear on the situation. As a head coach, I want Yoane to be part of the first team and the squad. I see that moving forward, but I also understand his situation. I have a very good relationship with him, and that will continue, but we must focus on the players who are ready to play and perform on Sunday, and I don’t believe Yoane is in that space. For Yoane on Sunday, he won’t be involved."
Andrews took over as Brentford manager this summer following the departure of former boss Thomas Frank to Tottenham. The Bees have also seen forward Bryan Mbeumo depart for Manchester United, midfielder Christian Norgaard move to Arsenal, and goalkeeper Mark Flekken transfer to Bayer Leverkusen.
Their recent signings include England midfielder Jordan Henderson, Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, and Dutch attacking midfielder Antoni Milambo.
Andrews remarked, "The only situation that really disrupts ideal preparation is the Yoane Wissa situation. Is it ideal? No, it’s not. Would the players like him to be part of the squad? Of course they would."