Report: Brentford target Ouattara as Wissa eyes Newcastle switch | OneFootball

Brentford Open Talks for Ouattara as Wissa Exit Looms

Brentford have taken a decisive step in their summer recruitment drive, opening initial discussions with Bournemouth for the signing of Dango Ouattara. As reported by Sky Sports’ Lyall Thomas and Mark McAdam, there is no deal in place yet, but talks are said to have been positive.

Ouattara, 23, is understood to have informed Bournemouth’s hierarchy that he would be willing to explore his options this summer, a stance that has prompted interest from several clubs. Brentford have been the first to make a concrete move, with the winger earmarked as a potential replacement for Bryan Mbeumo, primarily operating on the right side of attack.

The Cherries, who signed Ouattara from Lorient in January 2023 for £22 million, are reluctant to sell, but the forward’s ambitions could play a decisive role. His pace, dribbling ability and willingness to work both ways have made him an attractive option for a Brentford side likely to undergo an attacking reshuffle.

Planning for multiple changes

While Ouattara is viewed as the priority for the right wing, Brentford are also planning to bring in a left-sided attacker to potentially replace Yoane Wissa. Newcastle United are strongly interested in the Congolese forward and, according to Sky Sports News, are ready to move quickly for his signature.

Wissa has made it clear he would like to join Newcastle, and further talks are expected next week. His absence from both friendlies against Borussia Monchengladbach on Friday and Saturday was notable, with Brentford splitting the fixtures between the Gtech Community Stadium and their training ground.

If Wissa departs, Brentford will need to accelerate plans for an additional winger. This means their pursuit of Ouattara is part of a wider strategy to refresh their attacking options ahead of the new season.

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Positive signs in early talks

Negotiations with Bournemouth are at a preliminary stage, but the early indications suggest there is mutual interest in finding a solution. “There is no agreement yet but talks are understood to have been positive around a deal being agreed,” Sky Sports reported.

That positivity could be crucial, given Brentford’s reputation for conducting business efficiently and identifying talent that fits their high-intensity playing style. Ouattara’s adaptability, having played across the front line, adds to his appeal.

Brentford’s ability to close the deal may depend on whether Bournemouth feel they can replace him without compromising their own ambitions. With multiple clubs monitoring the situation, timing will be key.

Potential impact on Brentford’s season

If both Mbeumo and Wissa depart, Brentford’s attacking dynamic will change significantly. Ouattara’s arrival would help offset that, providing direct running and unpredictability in the final third. His age profile also aligns with Brentford’s model of signing players with room to develop and, potentially, resale value.

For Bournemouth, selling Ouattara would not be an easy decision. His 18 months on the south coast have shown flashes of real quality, and in a competitive Premier League landscape, retaining attacking threats can be as important as acquiring them. However, if the player is determined to leave, it may be a case of securing the best possible terms.

With the transfer window progressing, Brentford are positioning themselves to act decisively. The next week, particularly with Wissa’s future to be discussed, could be pivotal in shaping their squad for the months ahead.

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From a Brentford supporter’s perspective, this feels like a bold yet necessary move. Losing both Mbeumo and Wissa would be a significant blow, but it is encouraging to see the club identifying targets early and taking the initiative. Ouattara is young, hungry and has proven himself capable of handling the physical demands of the Premier League. His willingness to take on defenders and his work rate without the ball make him a natural fit for Thomas Frank’s approach.

There will be some concern about Bournemouth’s reluctance to sell, but that is to be expected. Quality wide forwards are in short supply, and clubs will fight to keep them. The key for Brentford will be acting swiftly before rival interest gains momentum.

If Wissa does go to Newcastle, the pressure on the recruitment team will be huge to replace his goals and energy. Ouattara alone would not solve that, but as part of a reshaped front line, he could be a cornerstone for the next phase of Brentford’s growth. Supporters will hope that the positive noises from early talks translate into a firm agreement sooner rather than later.