Brentford striker Yoane Wissa has released a statement accusing the club of reneging on a promise to let him leave this transfer window.
The 28-year-old wants to join Newcastle and had believed Brentford’s owner, Matthew Benham, would allow him to go after discussions earlier this summer.
Daily Mail Sport understands Brentford are now asking for £65million for Wissa, and that has prompted him to address the matter in public. He still hopes a resolution can be found before Monday’s deadline.
‘Over the past few weeks, there has been increased speculation about my future at Brentford Football Club. As a result, I wanted to speak directly and honestly about exactly where things stand,’ said Wissa on his Instagram account.
‘I have stayed silent for much of the summer, but with just hours remaining of the transfer window I feel compelled make it clear that I want to leave Brentford. I believe the club are unduly standing in my way despite a series of fair offers throughout the summer.
‘I have always given 100 percent for Brentford since the day I signed back in 2021. I am proud of what we have built together and have never taken the opportunity to play for the club for granted.
Yoane Wissa has released an explosive statement claiming Brentford are reneging on a promise to let him leave the club
Newcastle have been linked with a move for Wissa with Alexander Isak's future still uncertain
‘Brentford fans will always have a special place in my heart. And I have always conducted myself professionally, both on and off the pitch. It has been a privilege to wear this shirt for 149 games and celebrate 49 goals.
‘Earlier this summer, I held open discussions with the club’s senior management, including key directors and the new head coach. I made clear my intention to explore a new challenge.
‘During these conversations, it was confirmed to me and my representatives that the club would not stand in my way if a reasonable offer was received. This was also put in writing.
‘Based on this understanding, I sought to find a new club, keeping Brentford informed with full transparency at every step.
‘I received a formal offer from another Premier League club and communicated I wanted to join. I was under the impression, from all my conversations with Brentford, that there was a mutual agreement to part ways.
‘Yet as the window comes to an end, the club has now significantly changed its position, going against what was communicated. This has left me in a difficult and frustrating position. The promise that I could leave this summer has not been fulfilled. It saddens me to have to write that, and I maintain total respect for the club and its fans.
‘I want to make it clear that I have not acted unprofessionally, nor do I wish to leave Brentford on bad terms. I have been transparent in my position throughout. I have continued to communicate openly with the club and conduct myself in a way that reflects my values as both a footballer and a human being.
‘I remain hopeful that a fair and reasonable resolution can still be found before the transfer window shuts.
And the 28-year-old claimed Brentford had confirmed they would not stand in his way should a reasonable offer be made
Wissa claims that Brentford have gone against what they originally promised him
‘In the meantime, I must do what I feel is right for my career and family and insist that Brentford honour their promise to let me join a new club and at a fair price.
‘I want to thank all the Brentford fans for their support and understanding during this difficult situation. Your energy and belief in me has always meant a great deal.
'This has never been about walking away from what is a fantastic football club. It’s about being allowed to move forward with Brentford's blessing based on repeated promises that I could leave for a new chapter this summer.
‘Being made to stay beyond this summer will only tarnish four wonderful years at this incredible club and so I ask Brentford’s owners and directors to now honour their promise to let me leave in the final hours of the window.’