Latest developments
- Newcastle United weighing up Bryan Mbeumo move in January
- Brentford star man on top form under Thomas Frank
- Mbuemo reportedly has a £40 million price tag
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (5/5): The Athletic rarely get a story wrong
Newcastle United have not had the start they had been expecting this season after their disappointing end to last season. The Magpies have struggled to score goals as Eddie Howe's side has only found the net 10 times in 10 games in the Premier League. Newcastle are now pondering upon a move for Brentford's star winger Bryan Mbeumo in January as they look to claw back through to the top end of the Premier League table.
The Athletic's report comes from Chris Waugh, who is generally considered a top source for all things Newcastle.
Value (3.5/5): Newcastle's lack of investment in the summer opens avenues
The report has stated that Brentford, as usual, will be looking to sell Mbeumo for as high a fee as possible, just as they did with Ivan Toney in the summer. A potential fee of £40 million (€48.1) has been stated for the Bees' star winger.
Considering Newcastle barely made any investments over the summer due to their issues with adhering to the Premier League's Profitability and Sustainability Rules, the Magpies will likely have a massive surplus in their books when the January transfer window rolls in. As such, a fee of around £40m will likely not be an issue for Newcastle to reach.
Suitability (4.5/5): A proven right-winger in Premier League
Mbeumo has proven himself as a consistent right-wing option for Brentford in the Premier League despite their inconsistency in form. In his 108 Premier League appearances since the 2021/22 season, Mbeumo has scored 30 goals and provided 21 assists as he has been a key figure for the Bees in their rise to becoming a mid-table side in the Premier League since their promotion from the Championship.
Mbeumo would fit right in at Newcastle United under Howe given his ability to perform under duress.
Upgrade? (5/5): Right-winger the need of the hour for Howe
At the moment, Newcastle only have Miguel Almiron as a natural right-winger in their squad with Jacob Murphy out injured. As such, Howe has deployed Anthony Gordon on the right in a number of games due to Almiron's dwindling form at St. James' Park.
Mbeumo's introduction to Newcastle would instantly improve the Magpies' squad as a proven option on the right wing would make life easier for Aleksander Isak as well, so that the Swede can focus on his main job: scoring goals.
Logic (4.5/5): Newcastle trump Brentford from future safety POV
While Brentford have been hanging on in the Premier League since their move to England's top division, the Bees have made a habit of staying away from the relegation zone but not too far away. As such, a single string of poor performances could see the Bees threatened with relegation, which would affect Mbeumo's stock prices.
While Newcastle haven't been able to hit the same kind of stride as they did during the 2022/23 season, the Magpies have stayed safely in the top half of the standings. As such, a move to St. James' Park would mean that Mbeumo's future would not be hanging purely on the basis of how the squad around him performs.
Whisper+ final verdict – 22.5 /25
Newcastle United definitely have the kind of finances to force Brentford to sell Mbeumo in January, however, it is still a big job to convince the Bees to sell their biggest star to a direct rival, especially in the winter transfer window. As The Athletic's reports suggested, the Magpies could still strike a deal for the winger in January, however, the viability of the deal will remain to be seen.
