Heartbreak for Yoane Wissa ahead of anticipated Newcastle United debut
Yoane Wissa endured heartbreak on international duty yesterday but shown positive signs ahead of his Newcastle United debut.
Not one, but two men have been summoned to fill the £130million void left by Alexander Isak. And as the proven Premier League bagsman among the duo, much of that burden falls on Yoane Wissa’s shoulders.
Nick Woltemade will hope to make a more lasting impression at St James’ Park due to his age and club-record fee. Isak, after all, was also a raw prospect when Newcastle United stumped up £63million to sign him in 2022.
Many supporters eagerly watched Woltemade in action for Germany over the international break and were far from impressed. But halt the concern, as Eddie Howe only sprinkled his first dose of magic dust on the striker yesterday when he enjoyed his first Toon training session.
Wissa’s time at DR Congo gave him much-needed match fitness after his omission from Brentford’s squad this season. From a Newcastle perspective, getting the 29-year-old up to speed was the key importance, but what they saw was a refined, more experienced outing that highlights where the two signings are at.
A goal and assist helped put South Sudan to the sword on Friday. This was followed up with another strike against a star-studded Senegal side yesterday - sparking pandemonium on the dugout.
Wissa charged towards the bench and stage-dived into the crowd after doubling DR Congo’s advantage. Newcastle’s adulation turned to angst - with the Senegalese completing a stunning comeback to flip the World Cup qualification group on its head.
Heartbreak for Wissa, but a two-game glimpse into what he can produce for the Magpies. His second-half withdrawal fuelled conspiracies in the dark corners of the internet that the new No.9 is injured - it is understood he should be fit and firing for his Premier League debut this weekend.
Yoane Wissa or Nick Woltemade?
NewcastleWorld asked fans last week to give their thoughts on the Wissa vs Woltemade debate on Saturday. To much surprise, the overwhelming majority backed Wissa - not the £69million arrival - a stance Eddie Howe will likely take given his top-flight credentials.
Nick Woltemade or Yoane Wissa?
— Charlie Bennett (@CharIieBennett) September 3, 2025
One lacks match sharpness, the other hasn’t played in the PL before.
In your opinion, who starts against Wolves? Or do the two play together? 🤔 #NUFC
Yoane Wissa’s first words
“I’m really happy to be here and to sign for one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League,” Wissa said after the move. “I’m very, very excited to put on the black and white shirt. I’ve got dreams, I’ve got faith, and now I will do my best to make it all happen. I can’t wait to get started.”
Eddie Howe on Yoane Wissa
"Yoane is a player who we have admired for some time and we're delighted to have him on board,” Howe added. "He brings proven Premier League quality, demonstrated not only by his goalscoring output but also the crucial work he does for the team.
"Yoane's style of play will excite our supporters and complement our style of play. He has pace, power and an excellent work rate. He immediately makes us stronger."