Mbeumo transfer: Is Brentford striker Liverpool’s missing link? Whisper+ verdict

Latest developments

• Liverpool are interested in Brentford striker Bryan Mbeumo.
• The Reds face competition from Newcastle for the Cameroonian.
• Mbeumo has scored eight goals in 11 Premier League matches this season.

Whisper+ analysis

Authenticity (2.5/5): Sun hit-and-miss with rumours

Bryan Mbeumo's excellent goalscoring form for Brentford has caught the attention of Liverpool manager Arne Slot, who wants to make a move for the Cameroonian in the summer, though Newcastle United's interest could scupper his plans.

The Sun newspaper are reporting this today, and though they cannot always be trusted, the clubs involved in this story make it somewhat plausible.

Value (4/5): £50 million about right for proven scorer

Mbeumo's most recent valuation on Transfermarkt is €40 million, but that was made in May, before he scored eight goals in 11 Premier League appearances before the November international break as he has eased the minds of Bees fans who thought they would struggle to replace Ivan Toney's goals.

We can expect that rate to be higher now, thus the £50 million figure that is being mooted sounds reasonable value.

Suitability (4.5/5): Mbeumo works well across the front

Predominately a right-winger, the 25-year-old has also played a decent portion of games as a centre-forward and on the left side. That versatility will be welcomed by Slot, whether he opts for a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation at Anfield next season.

Upgrade? (3.5/5): Another potential Salah replacement

The good news for Mbeumo – should he want a move to Merseyside – is that the right-wing position is going to be vacated by Mohamed Salah in the summer.

One could argue that he is also an upgrade on Darwin Nunez through the middle, given his consistency, but one cannot imagine him replacing Luis Diaz on the left.

Logic (3.5/5): Liverpool playing waiting game

After a disappointing summer window this year and potentially losing Alexander Isak in January, Newcastle likely not wait until next summer to make a marquee attacking signing.

With Mbeumo on their shortlist, a move to the northeast, where he will be highly valued, could be quite attractive to the former Troyes man. This is more so than waiting an extra six months to go to Liverpool, where he will have big boots to fill but won't be the focal point in attack.

A better chance of winning silverware at Anfield tips the balance back in Liverpool's favour, though.

Whisper+ verdict: 18/25

Brentford boss Thomas Frank expects his forward to be moving on soon, and a potential deal could come down to how urgently Mbeumo wants a move.

If he is still available for Liverpool in the summer, he can make a big contribution at Anfield, but can he be a versatile forward and Salah replacement all at once? Time will tell.