Newcastle United set to hijack Manchester United main transfer target as the player has already made his decision following Newcastle ‘Late Move’
Newcastle United Could Reignite Interest in Bryan Mbeumo Amid Manchester United and Tottenham Links
Newcastle United may yet enter the race to sign Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo, despite earlier indications that they had stepped away from the pursuit. The Magpies were initially among the frontrunners for the Cameroonian international heading into the summer transfer window, but their interest appeared to wane due to the financial demands involved and the player’s apparent preference for a move to Manchester United.
However, fresh speculation suggests that Newcastle could attempt to hijack Manchester United’s ongoing negotiations with Brentford, should circumstances shift in their favour.
Mbeumo’s High Valuation a Stumbling Block for Newcastle
Brentford are reportedly holding firm on a £60 million asking price for Mbeumo, who enjoyed an outstanding 2024/25 season. The 24-year-old registered 20 goals across all competitions — a tally surpassed only by Premier League heavyweights Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak, and Erling Haaland.
Adding to the financial strain for potential suitors, Mbeumo is believed to be demanding a weekly wage of £250,000. Such a salary would place him well above Newcastle’s current highest earners, creating a potential imbalance in the wage structure that the club has worked hard to manage under its new ownership.
Should Newcastle meet Brentford’s valuation, Mbeumo would become the club’s second-most expensive signing ever — only behind Alexander Isak, who joined from Real Sociedad in 2022 for a reported £63 million.
Don Hutchinson: “I’d Be Stunned If Newcastle Didn’t Make a Late Move”
Despite the financial hurdles, former Newcastle midfielder Don Hutchinson believes the Tyneside club shouldn’t be counted out just yet. Speaking about Mbeumo’s potential impact, Hutchinson expressed surprise at the idea that Newcastle would allow such a talent to join a rival without making a final push.
“I really like Bryan Mbeumo, and I genuinely thought we had a solid chance of landing him until the Manchester United link emerged,” said Hutchinson. “I’d be stunned if Newcastle didn’t at least try a late move. He’s the kind of player Newcastle need.”
Hutchinson highlighted the need for greater depth on the right side of the attack. “We need competition for Jacob Murphy. Mbeumo’s versatility — being able to play both as a winger and centrally as a number nine — makes him an ideal fit for Eddie Howe’s system.”
Tottenham Hotspur Could Also Enter the Frame
Adding a twist to the unfolding transfer saga, Tottenham Hotspur may also emerge as serious contenders for Mbeumo’s signature — especially with managerial changes underway at the North London club. Spurs recently parted ways with Ange Postecoglou, despite his success in ending their 17-year trophy drought by clinching the UEFA Europa League.
Thomas Frank, currently managing Brentford, is strongly tipped to take over at Tottenham, and reports suggest he is keen to bring Mbeumo with him to North London. Frank signed Mbeumo from French club Troyes in 2019 for just under £6 million, overseeing the winger’s development into one of the Premier League’s most consistent wide attackers.
Under Frank, Mbeumo has made over 240 appearances for the Bees, scoring 70 goals and becoming a key figure in Brentford’s rise from the Championship to Premier League stability.
Newcastle United Exploring Alternative Options
While the futures of Mbeumo, Manchester United, and Spurs remain uncertain, Newcastle appear to be diversifying their transfer strategy. Over the weekend, the Magpies reportedly made enquiries for Brighton’s Joao Pedro and Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga — two players long admired by manager Eddie Howe.
Joao Pedro was on Newcastle’s radar back in 2022 when he was still at Watford. At the time, the club considered a move before eventually signing Isak instead. As for Elanga, Newcastle reportedly submitted a £35 million bid last summer, although a deal was never finalized.
Howe is looking to strengthen his attacking options ahead of a crucial season, with a particular focus on providing depth for Isak and easing the burden on Jacob Murphy. Murphy enjoyed a standout campaign with nine goals and 14 assists but was left as the sole recognised right winger after Miguel Almirón’s January departure.
With Manchester United in pole position and Tottenham potentially making a surprise swoop, Newcastle’s involvement in the Bryan Mbeumo chase may come down to a late twist — whether that be a change in the player’s stance, a reduction in wage demands, or a renewed push from Eddie Howe and the recruitment team. For now, Newcastle appear to be keeping their options open while monitoring the situation closely.