Newcastle United are reportedly preparing to put Yoane Wissa up for sale this summer, marking a major reversal on a player they signed for £55 million only a year ago. The DR Congo international has found it hard to make his mark on Tyneside following persistent fitness issues and tactical adjustments under manager Eddie Howe.

A troubled first season in Newcastle

Wissa joined Newcastle with big expectations, taking on the famous No.9 jersey once worn by club legend Alan Shearer. However, what was supposed to be a fresh start quickly turned into a disappointing experience for both him and the club. The forward was signed from Brentford on deadline day in September as a late replacement following Alexander Isak’s move to Liverpool, but Wissa has struggled to reproduce the impressive form he showed in west London.

The 29-year-old’s season was disrupted before it truly began. A knee injury suffered while on international duty delayed his competitive debut until December. Since returning, Wissa has made only 24 appearances for Newcastle, starting just once in the club’s last 16 matches and scoring only three goals in total.

Newcastle ready to absorb a major financial loss

As per reports from The Athletic, Newcastle are set to explore offers for Wissa in the upcoming summer transfer window. Despite their heavy investment just eight months ago, the club’s management is prepared to sanction his sale even if it means taking a substantial financial hit.

Although Wissa is tied to a long-term deal and has expressed his determination to stay and fight for his place, the club’s top brass appear to have other ideas. With Newcastle currently sitting 14th in the Premier League and likely to miss out on European qualification, restructuring the squad and maintaining financial balance has become a key priority heading into the summer.

Eddie Howe acknowledges a 'tough year' for the forward

Manager Eddie Howe has publicly backed Wissa, admitting that the player’s first season in the North East has been full of challenges. Speaking before Newcastle’s clash with Brighton, Howe said that the stop-start nature of Wissa’s campaign has made it difficult for him to display his full ability. While Howe still believes in the striker’s potential, he did not make any promises about his future at the club.

Howe commented: “The most difficult thing for Yoane is that when he got fit again, he was desperate to come back and prove himself, but we couldn’t train him in the way we normally would. It’s been very stop-start, and we haven’t seen the best of him. I think a proper pre-season could bring out his true quality.”

Recruitment shortcomings and plans for a rebuild

Newcastle’s move for Wissa last summer came after failed attempts to sign priority targets including Joao Pedro, Hugo Ekitike, and Jorgen Strand Larsen. The deal was finalised late in the transfer window during a period when the club lacked both a sporting director and a chief executive. Those positions have since been filled by David Hopkinson and Ross Wilson, who are now tasked with revising the club’s transfer strategy and addressing what many consider to be an expensive panic purchase.

As the 2025–26 season approaches, Newcastle’s focus has turned toward a comprehensive squad overhaul. The club is actively scouting new attacking options to ensure consistent goal output and depth in the frontline. For Wissa, the remaining fixtures of the season could serve as a final chance to persuade Howe that he deserves another opportunity—or to attract interest from potential suitors ahead of a possible move away from St James’ Park.