Former England striker Alan Shearer has faulted Congolese forward Yoane Wissa for choosing to represent his country during international duty despite not yet featuring for Newcastle United since his big summer transfer.
Shearer said Wissa should have prioritised his new club, which has invested heavily in him, by focusing on recovery and fitness before travelling for national assignments.
Wissa, who joined Newcastle from Brentford for a fee of around £55 million, has yet to make his debut for the Magpies due to a lingering knee injury sustained shortly after his move. However, the forward was recently called up by the Democratic Republic of Congo for international fixtures, a decision that Shearer believes showed a lack of consideration for his club responsibilities.
Speaking in an interview with a sports outlet, Shearer said it would have been wiser for Wissa to stay back and build his fitness before the upcoming Premier League fixtures. “It is always an honour to represent your country, but he also needs to think about the club that just signed him,” Shearer said. “Newcastle have spent a lot on him, and the least he can do is show some loyalty by getting fully fit and available for selection.”
The Newcastle legend explained that while international tournaments like the Africa Cup of Nations are important, players must learn to balance club obligations with national pride. He noted that participating in intense matches while still recovering could worsen injuries and delay a player’s impact at their new club.
“Shearer understands the emotional pull of national duty,” reports said, “but he believes loyalty to the team paying your wages should come first, especially when you have not even played a competitive game yet.” His remarks have sparked debate among football fans, with some supporting Wissa’s decision to honour his country’s call, while others agree that his first duty should be to Newcastle.
Wissa’s participation in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations remains uncertain, depending on his fitness level and the club’s stance. Newcastle are reportedly eager for the Congolese forward to make his long-awaited debut before the end of the year.