Newcastle United hold a strong interest in signing Brentford winger Bryan Mbuemo but are concerned they will not be able to match the asking price.
Mbuemo ticks a lot of boxes for Newcastle – he can play wide on the right or through the middle, exhibiting the sort of versatility manager Eddie Howe craves from his attacking players. The 25-year-old has impressed every member of Newcastle’s recruitment team and Howe would love to sign the player if Brentford are willing to sell this summer.
Newcastle have been scouting Mbeumo regularly for several years and, with two years remaining on his contract, there is an expectation that Brentford will be willing to listen to offers.
Newcastle are likely to formalise their interest when they know what European competition they are in next season. Howe’s side, who are guaranteed at least a place in the Europa Conference League after winning the Carabao Cup, are currently third in the table but just two points ahead of Nottingham Forest in sixth who face Brentford this evening.
Mbeumo has featured prominently in recruitment meetings and is seen as an ideal target but it remains to be seen whether Newcastle can get a deal agreed.
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Bryan Mbeumo into our top 15 all-time league goalscorers 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/gvoMSDyEQy
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) April 19, 2025
The Cameroon international has a proven track record in the Premier League, scoring 18 goals in 33 appearances in the Premier League this season with six assists.
But an asking price of more than £60 million is likely to give Newcastle pause for thought, given the club also need to bring in reinforcements at other positions. They are also well aware that there is likely to be competition from rival Premier League clubs which could drive up the asking price.
Newcastle have made steady progress in formalising a list of transfer targets for the summer, with a goalkeeper and a centre-back the other priorities. A striker to compete with Alexander Isak is also desired and, as revealed by Telegraph Sport, Newcastle are one of a number of clubs trying to sign Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap. Given the money involved, it is unlikely they would be able to sign both in the same window and still land a goalkeeper and a centre-back without selling someone too.
Asked about the chances of Mbuemo leaving at the end of the season, Brentford manager Thomas Frank, said: “I think it’s pretty high [the asking price], no matter what, if I’m honest. But, as you know, he’s very happy here at Brentford.”
Asked if Mbuemo would still be his player next season, he replied: “That’s a good question. I am the head coach, I want all of my best players to stay forever.
“I know that Bryan is very happy being here at Brentford. He is thriving, he is doing well and playing fantastic.
“What happens in the future? I don’t know. I’ve said many times we are a selling club but also to reinforce that there is probably [only] 10 clubs in the world who aren’t selling clubs.
“Of course, if the right price, that is going to be expensive. I’m pretty sure the club will be open for it. But I’m very happy he is here and also convinced that Bryan will still be happy here at the football club.”