Bryan Mbeumo, a Brentford winger, has captured the limelight following another successful Premier League season.
Newcastle United have been persuaded that Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo would be a ‘absolutely excellent’ summer acquisition.
The 24-year-old has been instrumental in establishing Brentford as a Premier League club, scoring 21 goals in 90 games and setting up another 20 for his teammates. Of course, one of those teammates is Ivan Toney, who has been linked with an £80 million exit in the summer, but according to Chronicle Live’s Aaron Stokes, Mbeumo is the star.
On The Everything is Black and White Podcast, Newcastle United Editor Stokes commented, “He’s absolutely ridiculous.” He would cost you a lot of money, comparable to what Toney would cost you, but as a right-winger – and someone who might perhaps replace Miggy [Almiron], Bryan Mbeumo would be my first pick.”
Indeed, a sizable portion of the Toon crowd would like to see Almiron sold this summer and a new face come in to replace him and challenge Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes for starting positions on the wings. Mbeumo is only two goals shy of Almiron’s all-time Premier League total of 23, despite playing 83 less games.
Podcast presenter Andrew Musgrove agreed with Mbeumo’s selection, but questioned whether the winger would be willing to be a second or third choice. He said, “I love him.” He would be an upgrade over Miguel Almiron, but the main concern would be if he would come in and play second fiddle to Gordon on the right because you’d have Barnes on the left which is all part of building your squad. But if you’re playing European football, playing three games a week then you can sell the dream to him and say to him ‘you’ll still get game time.’
“He is brilliant. He has speed, is fast with the ball, has excellent positional awareness, and has a great eye for goal; I enjoy watching him.
Pedro Neto, a Wolves winger, is another potential replacement for Almiron. The 24-year-old has been linked with a move to United and several other major Premier League clubs.
Wolves are expected to demand at least £40 million for the Portuguese star, and given his goal tally of just 11 in 110 appearances, some may expect more end product for such a high price. Despite this, both Musgrove and Stokes believe Neto would be an excellent signing.
“The right wing is going to be a priority this summer,” Musgrove stated. “I believe Miguel Almiron will leave; I see him being sold, and I believe they will want to bring someone at least on the level of Anthony Gordon.
“Jacob Murphy is there but isn’t at Gordon’s level. He’s a decent player and can still do a job, but he’s not at Gordon’s level. They’ll want to bring in someone who can really push Gordon.
“Pedro Neto is completely outstanding. He can also alternate, which is helpful because he is versatile. I don’t think he’ll be with the Wolves next season, but he’s great and would be toward the top of my list this summer.”
Stokes went on to say, “Wouldn’t it be a real statement signing this summer?” One disadvantage is that he has been unable to overcome his hamstring issues in recent months. I understand Wolves’ squad is small, and they don’t have many players to rotate from, so he picks up those minor niggles, but if he stays fit, it’s a no-brainer.”
You can listen to the entire episode, in which Andrew and Aaron explore plausible transfer targets from the other 19 Premier League clubs, by clicking here. Everything is Black and White Podcast is an award-winning daily Newcastle United program.
