"The DR Congo striker was signed to be the lightning rod following a summer of chaos over Alexander Isak's protracted move to Liverpool. Although he always felt more like a direct replacement for another outgoing striker hero on Tyneside, Callum Wilson, it was Isak's goals that needed replacing immediately. Having scored 19 in the Premier League for Brentford last season, none of which were penalties, Wissa felt like a more natural heir for the main responsibility than Nick Woltemade, Newcastle's other major forward signing, who was more of an unknown from the Bundesliga,"
"Such was the desperation for a seamless transition in attack, Newcastle spent 55m on Wissa on transfer deadline day. That was a hefty outlay; the club had tried and failed to sign Joao Pedro, Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko before turning their attention his way. Given his age, 28 going on 29, and the fact he only had one year on his Bees contract, Newcastle initially budgeted 20m less than the eventual price."
"To even come close to repaying that faith, in truth, he couldn't afford much of a bedding in period. Then came his knee injury before he'd even stepped on the training pitch. Four months went by and with every passing day, the deal looked worse. None of that was his fault, but he and Newcastle had been robbed of the very reason for his signing: instant impact. Even since his return, he's needed to be managed slowly, nurtured back to strength."
Newcastle signed Yoane Wissa for £55m on transfer deadline day to provide an immediate goalscoring solution after Alexander Isak's protracted move. Wissa arrived having scored 19 non-penalty Premier League goals for Brentford and took the number 9 shirt, making him the perceived natural heir. The club had pursued other targets and initially budgeted significantly less before agreeing the fee. A knee injury before training prevented a prompt contribution, forcing a four-month recovery and cautious reintegration. Since returning he has been managed carefully while coping with key missed chances in cup and league matches.
Read at www.fourfourtwo.com
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