- Sebastian Bassong speaks about Yoane Wissa in exclusive interview
- Former centre-back thinks Wissa will turn his form around
- Why Newcastle still need a new striker despite Wissa backing
Former Newcastle United centre-back Sebastian Bassong has given his opinion on the future success of Yoane Wissa in an exclusive interview with Read Newcastle.
Bassong openly backed Wissa to turn his fortunes around at St James’ Park, whilst also acknowledging that the Magpies may need to invest in a new striker this summer.
The forward joined Newcastle last summer for a fee of £55m but was hampered by an early-season knee injury and has since struggled to find his feet on Tyneside.
READ:Latest Newcastle United news and updates
FOLLOW:Read Newcastle on Facebook, Instagram and X
Bassong backs Wissa
Sebastian Bassong was asked about whether he thought some of the new signings that have struggled would be able to come good next season.
Speaking about Wissa and Elanga, Bassong, speaking with ReadTottenham via freebets.com, the home of best betting sites said:
“I think this season has been difficult for a number of reasons, but I am sure that after a good pre-season Elanga and Wissa can show their maximum next season.
Bassong went on to speak about Wissa’s quality in more depth, saying, “Wissa is super quick and although hasn’t set the season alight, last year at Brentford he was very good with many goal contributions.”
His comments largely back up those of Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, who has been vocal in recent weeks about his belief in Wissa.
In fact, the discourse around the club suggests that Wissa is already showing signs of coming good. His training performances have been repeatedly praised, and it is thought he is finally returning to full fitness and could be back on form next season.
Whilst he hasn’t yet translated that praise to performances in games, all of the murmurings about his position going into pre-season are increasingly positive.
Bassong: Newcastle still need new striker
Despite his confidence in Wissa, Bassong was open about Newcastle’s need to sign a striker in the coming transfer window.
When asked about where he would focus the recruitment this summer, Bassong was very sure of his response. He said:
“I think Newcastle do need another striker. I think this is important; a player who can score goals and is proven in the top division.”
While Yoane Wissa did have those credentials, he was signed off the back of his one and only 20+ goal season in the Premier League rather than a sustained period of high-level scoring.
Nick Woltemade was largely a punt given his relatively unproven goalscoring record in professional football on the whole. The German was more of a maverick signing than a guaranteed goal.
Although William Osula has hit some form toward the back end of the season, he is yet to really command the minutes, or show enough when he has played, to suggest he can be the main output going forward.
Given each of the current players, Bassong’s admission that Newcastle need a striker may not be far off the mark.
A proven, solid goalscorer who knows the Premier League to come in and aid the quest for higher numbers may be the perfect antidote to the Magpies’ struggles.
That scenario would likely see one of the current three leave the club, which perhaps poses the most suitable solution to the current issues.
The likes of Gonzalo Garcia, Goncalo Ramos and Darwin Nunez have all been linked with the club as the summer window approaches.
