Expert: Newcastle 'concerned' about big-money star, Eddie Howe 'upset' with form

Newcastle United have concerns about the performances of Yoane Wissa since his £55million move from Brentford in last summer’s transfer window.

The significant outlay spent on bringing the 29-year-old to St James’ Park as a last-ditch replacement for Alexander Isak has not been reflected on the pitch.

Since returning from an injury which saw him sidelined until December, the striker has scored just one Premier League goal and has since been dropped from the side.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Newcastle “panic-bought” Wissa and Eddie Howe has been left “upset” by his lack of output.

They had hoped he would partly fill the void left by Isak’s departure, but that has not been the case, and Newcastle could be forced into the transfer market as a result.

Newcastle United frustrated by Yoane Wissa

Brown told Football Insider earlier this month that Howe is unhappy with Wissa and the club are already working to land a replacement this summer.

Across all competitions, the DR Congo international has made 22 appearances, scored three goals and provided one assist in what has been a terrible record.

The Magpies inconsistent Premier League season has led to growing pressure on Howe, but a number of players including Wissa have failed to meet expectations.

“Newcastle are concerned about Yoane Wissa,” Brown told Football Insider.

“Recruitment has been a major issue for Newcastle, they’ve been limited in their spending, so to go and pay £55million for Wissa, they needed him to be a success.

“It was difficult because they never wanted to lose Isak, and a lot of the other strikers they looked at ended up joining other clubs instead.

“After Isak left, Wissa was one of the available options, he’d had a strong season with Brentford, but he just doesn’t seem to fit in to this Newcastle side.

“They’ve found themselves in a difficult position because he hasn’t done anywhere near as well as they hoped when they spent that money on him.

“A lot of it falls back on Eddie Howe as well, so I expect he is upset about the way he’s performed.

“Whether he’ll be sold this summer, it’s difficult to say because he’s not been there long, but Newcastle will be looking at other strikers to fill the gap.”

Newcastle face issues selling Wissa and Nick Woltemade

Both Wissa and Nick Woltemade were brought to St James’ Park last summer to add to their striker options, but almost a year later, they could be moved on.

Newcastle are unhappy with how their two new strikers have bedded in, while both have struggled in front of goal, leading to doubts about their futures.

However, former Everton CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider that Newcastle could struggle to sell Wissa and Woltemade as they are struggling to attract buyers.

Newcastle spent over £100million to bring both Woltemade and Wissa to the North East last summer following the departure of Isak to Liverpool.

Potential new striker additions in the summer could depend on whether they are able to shift their current options given their financial limitations.

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