Liverpool is considering Brentford winger who might be brought in to replace Mo Salah should he depart in the summer.
With an incredible 14 goals in 23 Premier League games thus far this season, the 25-year-old has been the Bees’ standout player.
The challenge for Mbeumo’s admirers is that Brentford is not interested in selling him at this time, and it is doubtful that this will alter in the remaining transfer window.
According to Mbeumo, he would be willing to leave Brentford if given the chance to play Premier League and European football at a top team with a significant pay boost.
Liverpool have join Newcastle and Tottenham as the three clubs to have shown concrete interest in the 5ft 7 winger so far, although Spurs are having a difficult season and look set to miss out on European qualification, unless they win the Europa League.
Liverpool’s interest in Mbeumo is somewhat intertwined with Salah’s situation. The 32-year-old is set to stay at Anfield until at least the end of the season, but it’s still unclear whether he’ll extend his contract, which expires in six months.
Mbeumo, meanwhile, is under contract with Brentford until 2026, so they are under no immediate pressure to sell this month, but this means it’s likely he’ll leave in the summer if he doesn’t pen an extension.
Salah’s situation will determine how big Liverpool go for a player in the right-wing position in the summer. If Salah stays, it’s possible they could wait another window or two to bring someone in.
The Salah saga is going to be very interesting, because now that Neymar has left Al-Hilal to re-join former club Santos, the Saudi club may push to sign the Liverpool superstar.
Sources have made it clear that Al-Hilal will want to replace Neymar with another big name before the Club World Cup this summer and Salah is at the top of their wish list.
A deal all depends on Liverpool since Saudi dealmakers won’t formally approach Salah again unless given any encouragement. There is respect for Liverpool, their contract negotiations with Salah and his own timeline for making a decision.
Saudi Pro League sporting director Michael Emenalo knows Salah well and is aware there is no point pushing before Salah wishes to engage.
Timing will be crucial if Saudi are to enter the race and sources feel the Egyptian will prioritise concluding Liverpool negotiations first, regardless of whether he stays or goes.
Mbeumo is not the only player on Liverpool’s shortlist of potential Salah replacements. Anthony Gordon, a star for Newcastle, is still on their radar, but his availability in the summer will depend on the Magpies’ Champions League qualification.
One of Newcastle’s best players, Bruno Guimaraes, Alexander Isak, and Gordon, may be sold for PSR (Profitability and Sustainability) reasons if they are not selected for the Champions League.
