Latest Liverpool transfer news as Thomas Frank comments will put suitors on alert over Bryan Mbeumo this summer
Liverpool’s chances of signing Bryan Mbeumo this summer look to have significantly increased following an honest admission from his manager, Thomas Frank. The Reds have been linked with interest in a winger who has quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s deadliest forwards.
Mbeumo has made the step up from the Championship to the Premier League better than most since his side were promoted in 2021. In 132 top-flight appearances, he has 40 goals and 28 assists to boast on record, and such talent has been enough to earn links to the next step in his career, the suggestion sometimes being to Liverpool.
That has especially been the case this term as the winger sits on 18 goals for the season, and his manager Frank believes he will get the two required to hit the 20-goal mark for 2024/25.
“I really hope so, because, again, that would be fantastic for him and fantastic for us,” he admitted before Brentford travelled to Nottingham Forest on Thursday evening. “I think he will. I am comfortable he will reach the goal. But he needs to do it. We need to do it.”
Asked about how his player’s asking price could increase after completing the feat, Frank said: “I think it’s pretty high, no matter what, if I’m honest. But, as you know, he’s very happy here at Brentford.”
Frank would be correct based on The Telegraph’s latest report, claiming that the Cameroonian would cost £60m for any team willing to try this summer
And whilst confident his player is content in his current settings, the Bees boss has not ruled out the possibility of a summer sale taking place as he went on to make a frankly honest admission.
“If the right price – and that’s going to be expensive – is coming, then I’m sure the club will be open to it,” Frank told Sky Sports in a separate chat.
“I’ve said many times: we are a selling club. But at the same time we have to reinforce that there are 10 clubs in the world who aren’t selling clubs
I lost Neal Maupay, Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney as three key strikers that were 25 goals plus. Every season we replace the goals with other players so I am confident that we can do it again.”
The crux of the matter is that if Brentford do not agree a sale this summer, they will be scrambling to organise a new contract with the 25-year-old before his current deal expires in 2026. If they do not they could lose him to a rival for free.
As well as being linked with the Reds as a successor to a man who has just signed on for another two years, Mohamed Salah, the Brentford star is also said to be of interest to Newcastle United and Arsenal.
Since the Egyptian’s new contract was announced, more expectation has been placed on the Reds signing a new No.9 rather than anything else to bolster their forward line. That said, Mbeumo has deputised as a centre forward and second striker during parts of the season.
St. James’ Park would appear to have an open right-wing berth to slot into as the Magpies have been unsuccessful in signing anyone in the position thus far, whilst the Gunners’ goalscoring woes have been clear for all to see as they have slumped further and further behind Liverpool to the point the title race has now been conceded.
In north London there is also the added element of knowing that he would have to fight with Bukayo Saka, 23, for minutes.