Bryan Mbeumo: A Potential Liverpool Target?

The latest transfer rumours suggest that Bryan Mbeumo, Brentford’s impressive right winger, is attracting interest from Liverpool and Newcastle. This comes as no surprise given his consistent performance in the Premier League and a long-standing interest the Reds have held in the player. Below, we break down the buzz around Mbeumo, his key stats, a comparison with current Liverpool winger Luis Díaz, and the likelihood and potential fee for this transfer.

What’s Been Said

According to a report from L’Équipe, Bryan Mbeumo (24) is drawing attention from both Newcastle United and Liverpool. The Cameroon international has been a standout performer for Brentford, showcasing his skill and consistency. Mbeumo himself seems open to a move, stating:

“I have spent five years at Brentford, at a club that has allowed me to grow and pass a milestone but yes, I would like to play in the biggest competitions, at the best clubs. It is tantalising to see some big clubs interested in me. We will see.”

Funny how these interviews come out at the perfect times, eh?

The Key Stats

Bryan Mbeumo’s stats from the 2023/24 season underline why he’s considered a valuable asset:

• Age: 24
• Position: Right Winger
• Premier League Appearances: 25
• Goals: 9
• Assists: 6
• Minutes Played: 1,961

These numbers demonstrate Mbeumo’s capability to contribute significantly in both scoring and assisting, making him an attractive prospect for clubs looking to bolster their attacking lineup. Before his injuries, Mbeumo was a player of the month contender in October. If it wasn’t for injuries and Brentford’s overall struggles, you’d have expected double figures in both columns.

Comparison with Luis Díaz

To understand Mbeumo’s potential fit at Liverpool, we compare him to Luis Díaz, Liverpool’s left winger. Despite playing on opposite wings, their roles and output can be measured to assess Mbeumo’s impact:

• Luis Díaz (2023/24 season Premier League stats):

  • Appearances: 37
  • Goals: 8
  • Assists: 3
  • xG: 11.9
  • npxG: 11.9
  • xAG: 5.7
  • Touches in the Box: 302

• Bryan Mbeumo (2023/24 season stats):

  • Appearances: 27
  • Goals: 9
  • Assists: 6
  • xG: 9.8
  • npxG: 7.4
  • xAG: 4.6
  • Touches in the Box: 195

There’s a real difference but with the context, it flips the narrative. While Díaz has 12 more appearances (669 minutes), Mbeumo’s combined non-penalty expected goals (npxG) and expected assists (xAG) is higher, demonstrating his efficiency and potential to match or exceed Díaz’s output with similar playing time. He’s also got more goals and assists in a worse team that plays far more defensively, where he’s had to carry the attack.

Likelihood and Fee

Mbeumo’s market value, according to Transfermarkt, stands at €40 million. His contract with Brentford runs until 2026, with an option for an additional year. Considering his current wage and the contract length, Liverpool would need to negotiate a substantial fee to secure his services. However, given his performance and potential, this investment could be worthwhile for the Reds. The issue may be that with Toney expected to go, Brentford aren’t expected to be in need of funds.

Bryan Mbeumo’s link to Liverpool is fueled by his strong performances, data, and the club’s desire and need to enhance their attacking depth. While a move to Anfield would require a significant fee, Mbeumo’s stats and potential make him a viable target for Liverpool’s future ambitions. You’d be more astonished if they weren’t having a serious look.