Cameroonian winger Bryan Mbeumo has outgrown Brentford and is destined for the UEFA Champions League, writes DYLAN JOHNSON.
Mbeumo has elevated his game in the 2024-25 Premier League season. The 25-year-old winger has scored 15 goals and provided four assists in 28 matches, already surpassing his total of 15 goal contributions from last season with 10 games remaining.
Since moving from Ligue 1 side Troyes to Brentford in 2019, Mbeumo has become one of the Premier League’s most lethal attackers. Alongside his Congolese teammate Yoane Wissa, he has formed a dynamic partnership in front of goal, with Wissa netting 13 goals and adding two assists this season.
Mbeumo is a superb player. His speed and dribbling ability make him one of the most dangerous transition threats in the Premier League — and arguably in Europe. His composure and effectiveness in front of goal are at the highest level, but his potential is far from complete. His work rate on and off the ball, along with his availability, make him an asset to any club in the world.
With such impressive form, Mbeumo has been linked with a move away from Brentford. Arsenal and Newcastle are reportedly interested, and he has long been considered a potential long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah at Liverpool.
Mbeumo is not yet at Salah’s level. The Egyptian has scored 27 goals and provided 17 assists already this season, with nine games remaining. However, Mbeumo’s trajectory is undeniable, but where would suit him best?
Liverpool
Salah’s contract negotiations are still ongoing, and with just a few months left in the season, it’s unclear whether he will remain at Anfield. If Salah were to leave, Mbeumo would be a likely starter on the right wing. Currently, Salah’s backup, Federico Chiesa, has offered little this season and failed to impress in his limited minutes.
However, if Salah stays, a move to Liverpool may not make sense for Mbeumo. He would be competing for minutes in a battle he likely wouldn’t win at this stage of his career. The next logical step for Mbeumo is consistent minutes at a UEFA Champions League-level club.
Arsenal
Arsenal’s interest in Mbeumo has been noted before. The Gunners reportedly considered him in January following Bukayo Saka’s long-term injury but ultimately decided against making a move. That decision has seemingly derailed their title challenge, with Arsenal now 15 points behind leaders Liverpool.
If Saka is fit, Mbeumo would struggle to secure a starting spot on his preferred right wing. He would need to play either as a central striker or on the left flank. While he is versatile enough to play across the front line, his best performances at Brentford have come from the right.
Newcastle United
Newcastle could be a serious option. They have lacked attacking depth this season, leading to an over-reliance on Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon — both of whom have missed crucial games. Isak’s future is also uncertain, with some of the world’s top clubs reportedly eyeing a move for the Swedish striker, who could command a fee in excess of €120m.
Mbeumo would be an upgrade over current winger Jacob Murphy, who has improved under Eddie Howe but hasn’t provided the goals and assists Mbeumo could deliver.
Mbeumo’s time at Brentford has come to an end. He has outgrown the club and fully proven himself as a UEFA Champions League-caliber player. Continuing to compete for a place in the Premier League midtable would be a step backward for a talent of his caliber. It’s clear that Mbeumo deserves to be playing at the highest level, and now is the perfect moment for him to take the next step in his career.
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