London, August 15(HS):

As Brentford gear up for their opening fixture against Nottingham Forest, the spotlight has sharply shifted onto the future of Yoane Wissa, the club’s prolific forward. Speculation is rife regarding Wissa’s possible transfer to Newcastle United, a distraction that has cast a shadow over the Bees’ pre-season momentum.

New manager Keith Andrews, tasked with steadying the ship following Thomas Frank’s summer departure to Tottenham, confronted the issue head-on during his press address. Andrews unequivocally confirmed that Wissa will not feature in the squad for Sunday’s Premier League opener, citing the disruptions caused by persistent transfer speculation.

“I’ve made the decision that he’s not available for selection. It’s been a very disruptive pre-season with the interest, Andrews remarked. The message is clear, I want him in the building, I want him to be part of the first-team squad. I see that moving forward but I’m very understanding of his situation. I have a good relationship with him and that will persist. But we have to focus on the players that are ready to perform on Sunday and Yoane isn’t in that space.”

Wissa, whose performances since his 2021 arrival have been instrumental for Brentford, is reportedly eager to join Newcastle—a desire that has only intensified as the west London club maintains its reluctance to sanction a move. The resulting uncertainty has unsettled both player and squad at a time when unity and focus are paramount.

Brentford’s pre-season has become a balancing act for Andrews, who is forging a new squad identity amid external pressures and transfer noise. His resolve to exclude unsettled players underlines a commitment to harmony and professionalism within the dressing room.

Early-season composure is vital for any club with ambitions of consolidating its Premier League status. Andrews’ hardline stance on Wissa sends a message of stability and prioritization of collective readiness. For now, the Brentford faithful are left wondering whether their star striker will yet feature in red and white or secure his long-desired move to Tyneside.

As kickoff approaches, all eyes will be on whether Brentford can rise above the off-field distractions and make a statement in their pursuit of Premier League progress—Wissa or no Wissa.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar