Newcastle United face competition for their dream signing in January.
The Magpies are desperately in need of reinforcements, after failing to make any major signings during the summer transfer window.
January is going to be an important month, and it has been reported that Newcastle’s priority is to sign a right winger.
Newcastle’s dream signing would be Bryan Mbeumo, and it is easy to understand why. The 25-year-old has scored eight Premier League goals in nine games this season, with Mbeumo getting a brace in Brentford’s 4-3 win over Ipswich on Saturday.
However, it could be a very difficult deal to do.
Bryan Mbeumo ‘will not be cheap’ as Newcastle eye transfer
That is the view of TBR Football insider Graeme Bailey, who has spoken to Geordie Boot Boys about Newcastle United’s interest in Mbeumo.
“He’s fascinating in the footballing world because analytically he tops a lot of charts,” he said.
“That is why he is on the agenda of a lot of clubs. He ranks really highly in analytics, as well as the usual goals and assists.
“He’s a very good player. Newcastle are fully aware of him and he ticks a lot of boxes for them.
“He hasn’t agreed a long-term extension with Brentford. I think they realise that he is ready to move to the next level. There is a lot of interest in him – he could even join a ‘top four’ club.
“He will not be cheap. We have seen how hard Brentford can push a deal. They won’t be taking less than £50million for Mbeumo. I think it would be very difficult to do in January.
“Mbeumo is on Newcastle’s radar, but he would be a hard get. He’s also on Liverpool and Arsenal’s radar. He does a lot very well.”
Bryan Mbeumo’s contract situation
It would be quite the coup for Newcastle to land Mbeumo, especially given how well he is playing and the fact that he has caught the attention of Liverpool and Arsenal.
His contract situation could help Newcastle, with his current deal expiring in 2026. That might force the Bees to cash in on him in 2025 if he opts against signing an extension.
Crystal Palace have a similar situation with Marc Guehi, who has been heavily linked with Newcastle. Palace are resigned to selling Guehi in 2025, which could give the Magpies a chance to strike a deal.
Perhaps the same could happen with Mbeumo.
Mbeumo compared to Liverpool’s Diogo Jota
Newcastle need a right winger who can compliment Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak in attack. Eddie Howe needs a player that is decisive – someone who is good enough to take Newcastle to the next level.
Mbeumo ticks those boxes, and Bailey has told Geordie Boot Boys that any deal for the forward could be reminiscent of when Liverpool bought Diogo Jota from Wolves.
“I think he might be a Jota-like player,” he said.
“I think he might go higher than we think, in my opinion. When Jota went from Wolves to Liverpool, a lot of people queried that deal. Now everyone knows how good he is. I think Mbeumo could be in that boat too.”
Bailey’s Jota comparison is an interesting one, and sums up what an achievement it would be if Paul Mitchell was able to bring Mbeumo to St James’ Park.
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