Report: Liverpool consider £50m forward as Newcastle face transfer battle | OneFootball

Liverpool Monitoring Yoane Wissa as Newcastle Face Fresh Transfer Competition

Liverpool’s transfer dealings could once again frustrate Newcastle United, as reports suggest the Reds have shown interest in Brentford striker Yoane Wissa. Empire of the Kop revealed that “the Merseyside club are closely monitoring the Brentford striker as a potential backup option if their pursuit of Isak were to hit a dead end.”

This comes just weeks after Liverpool’s £110m bid for Alexander Isak was rejected by Newcastle’s hierarchy, with speculation continuing that Richard Hughes may yet return with another approach.

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Newcastle’s Pursuit of Wissa Hits New Twist

Newcastle had shifted their focus to Wissa after missing out on Hugo Ekitike, whose move to Liverpool was finalised for a fee potentially rising to £79m. But according to the report, “Liverpool are now threatening to rain on the Geordies’ parade once more.”

Valued at £50m, Wissa has made it clear he wants to leave Brentford. The Bees are reportedly willing to sell once a replacement is secured, meaning timing could be key for any potential deal. Tottenham Hotspur and Saudi club Al-Nassr are also in the frame.

Short-Term Gain vs Long-Term Planning

Signing Wissa would not be without risk. His age limits resale value, yet his proven ability to deliver goals in England’s top flight means he could be the type of ready-made forward Liverpool might need if their top target, Isak, proves unattainable.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool supporter’s perspective, this rumour is intriguing. The club’s persistence in chasing Isak shows a clear intent to bring in a top-tier striker, but the willingness to explore Wissa as a backup option reflects sensible contingency planning.

Fans will appreciate that Wissa’s scoring record isn’t a one-season wonder—he has back-to-back double-digit Premier League campaigns under his belt. His ability to play across the front line would fit well with Arne Slot’s tactical flexibility, and his knack for finding the net without relying heavily on penalties is a big plus.

However, there will be understandable caution. At 28, Wissa would represent a deviation from Liverpool’s usual recruitment model, and his arrival could be seen as a short-term fix rather than a long-term investment. Supporters may wonder if spending £50m on a player approaching his thirties is the most efficient use of resources, especially given other positions that may need strengthening.

Still, with Darwin Núñez reportedly heading to Saudi Arabia and uncertainty over Isak’s availability, bringing in a proven, ready-made Premier League goalscorer could be exactly what is required to maintain Liverpool’s attacking threat this season. Whether he is a primary or secondary option, the club’s interest in Wissa suggests the recruitment team is determined not to be left short in the striker department.