BREAKING: Newcastle United in shock internally discussions to Bryan Mbeumo ahead of the January transfer window after Harvey Barnes, Gordon and Almiron have all failed to perform in wide position
Newcastle United are currently facing a significant challenge with their right-wing position, and one of the most promising solutions could lie in securing the services of Bryan Mbeumo, the in-form forward from Brentford. Mbeumo has enjoyed a stellar season so far, showcasing his ability to play across the attacking front and contributing significantly to Brentford’s attacking play. For Eddie Howe, who continues to search for a consistent and reliable right-winger to add to his squad, Mbeumo has emerged as a prime target.
So far this season, Howe has experimented with a variety of players in the right-wing position, including Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes, Joelinton, Jacob Murphy, and Miguel Almiron. While each of these players has had moments of individual brilliance, none have been able to establish themselves as the long-term solution in the role. This ongoing issue with the right-wing position has led to increasing speculation that Newcastle must secure a dedicated right-winger in the upcoming January transfer window to address the problem. Mbeumo, who is enjoying his best-ever form for Brentford, fits the profile of a player who could add the quality and consistency needed in this area.
The prospect of Mbeumo joining Newcastle would undoubtedly excite the club’s supporters. The 25-year-old has become one of the most talked-about players in the Premier League’s mid-table this season, and his dynamic style of play would be a welcome addition to the Magpies’ attacking setup. His pace, dribbling ability, and eye for goal make him an ideal fit for the right-wing role, offering a new dimension to the team’s offensive play. Moreover, his ability to play across the front line would give Howe the flexibility to rotate his attacking players, keeping the team fresh and unpredictable in their attacking movements.
Mbeumo’s potential signing would not only be met with excitement from Newcastle fans but also from one of the club’s most iconic figures. Alan Shearer, a legend of the club, recently spoke highly of Mbeumo, describing him as the best player in the Premier League’s bottom half. Shearer’s endorsement only serves to highlight Mbeumo’s growing reputation, and the idea of him making the move to St James’ Park has quickly become a source of optimism for fans eager to see their team strengthen in the second half of the season.
However, despite the clear fit and the enthusiasm surrounding the potential move, there are concerns within St James’ Park about the feasibility of signing Mbeumo. According to reports from The Athletic, while Mbeumo remains a top target for the club, Newcastle officials are wary of the complexities involved in securing his signature. The main obstacle is the cost. Mbeumo’s impressive form for Brentford has understandably led to a rise in his market value, and the Bees are likely to demand a significant fee for one of their star players. This presents a challenge for Newcastle, who are committed to maintaining financial sustainability and profitability in line with the club’s broader strategic goals. Given the large sum that would be required to sign Mbeumo, Newcastle’s management is cautious about making such a costly investment, especially with their ongoing concerns regarding profit and sustainability ratios (PSR).
This financial prudence has led Newcastle to explore alternatives to Mbeumo, including potential targets from overseas. One player who has caught the club’s attention is Johan Bakayoko, a Belgian winger currently playing for PSV Eindhoven. Bakayoko’s performances in the Eredivisie have made him one of the most promising young wingers in Europe, and Newcastle are reportedly keeping close tabs on his development. His potential availability in the January window could make him a more affordable option compared to Mbeumo, and his move to Newcastle would help mitigate some of the financial concerns that have come with pursuing a player from within the Premier League. By targeting Bakayoko, Newcastle would not only secure a talented player but also avoid some of the complications associated with domestic transfers.
Domestic transfers, however, are becoming increasingly challenging for Newcastle. Not only do Premier League players typically come with higher price tags, but the rising costs of transfers between top-flight English clubs have made it more difficult to secure value for money. Furthermore, many clubs are reluctant to sell to rivals, especially mid-season when the disruption of a key player’s departure can have a negative impact on their season. This makes it even harder for Newcastle to negotiate deals with domestic clubs, especially if they are targeting players who are integral to their team’s plans. The reluctance of clubs to sell their top performers halfway through the season is something that Newcastle are fully aware of, which is why they have broadened their search to include international talent.
In addition to Mbeumo and Bakayoko, Newcastle have also been linked with two players from Bournemouth: Antoine Semenyo and Marcus Tavernier. Both players have impressed in recent seasons and have been identified as potential targets for the Magpies. However, according to TBR Football insider Graeme Bailey, Bournemouth are unlikely to sell either player in January. The club’s manager, Andoni Iraola, has made it clear that he values Semenyo and Tavernier highly and has no intention of letting them leave midway through the season. Given Bournemouth’s ambitions for the season, they are not looking to sell their key players during the January window, which adds another layer of difficulty for Newcastle in their pursuit of domestic talent.
This unwillingness of domestic clubs to part with their star players, coupled with the inflated costs of transfers within the Premier League, has only reinforced Newcastle’s decision to widen their recruitment strategy. Paul Mitchell, Newcastle’s sporting director, is reportedly keen to expand the club’s scouting network and look beyond the English market in order to secure more cost-effective options. By targeting players from abroad, Newcastle hope to find fresh talent without the financial strain associated with buying from domestic rivals. This strategy could also help them avoid some of the complications that arise from trying to sign players from within the Premier League during a competitive mid-season transfer window.
The growing difficulties of securing domestic talent, combined with the availability of promising foreign options, suggest that Newcastle United’s January transfer window could be marked by a significant shift in their recruitment strategy. While Mbeumo remains a top target, the club’s pursuit of players from overseas, such as Bakayoko, could be the key to strengthening their squad without breaking the bank. As the window approaches, it is clear that Newcastle are determined to resolve their right-wing issue and make the necessary signings to boost their chances for the rest of the season. How they navigate the complexities of the winter transfer market, balancing financial prudence with the need for quality additions, will be crucial in shaping the future of the club’s ambitions.