Earlier today, The Telegraph reported on Newcastle’s growing interest in Bryan Mbeumo, revealing that Eddie Howe would ‘love’ to bring the Brentford winger to St James’ Park this summer.
That same piece highlighted that the price may be a problem, however, as the expected asking price north of £60m may limit our ability to also afford the arrival of a quality striker, centre-back and goalkeeper.
The latest news coming out of the Brentford camp has shone a light on what the future may hold for Mbeumo, as manager Thomas Frank was refreshingly honest with the media about the winger’s situation.
Frank speaks out on Mbeumo’s future
Brentford manager Thomas Frank has had his say on the future of Bryan Mbeumo after it was revealed that we are growing increasingly keen on the Bees’ star winger – and he’s not done much to discourage potential bids.
While the Cameroonian would not be cheap, with the £60m a potential sticking point as we navigate PSR and aim to improve four positions this summer, it sounds as though Brentford would be open to selling the 25-year-old.
“If the right price — and that’s going to be expensive — is coming, then I’m pretty sure the club will be open to it,” Frank told Sky Sports ahead of their trip to Nottingham Forest tonight.
The Brentford boss insisted that Mbeumo is “very happy” in West London and was “convinced” the Cameroon international wouldn’t force a move, but insisted that the Bees are a “selling club.”
“I think it’s pretty high [the asking price], no matter what, if I’m honest. But, as you know, he’s very happy here at Brentford.”
Asked if he expects a sale: “That’s a good question. I am the head coach, I want all of my best players to stay forever. I know that Bryan is very happy being here at Brentford. He is thriving, he is doing well and playing fantastic.
“What happens in the future? I don’t know. I’ve said many times we are a selling club but also to reinforce that there are probably [only] 10 clubs in the world who aren’t selling clubs. But I’m very happy he is here and also convinced that Bryan will still be happy here at the football club.
“I’ve said many times: we are a selling club,” he added. “But at the same time we have to reinforce that there are 10 clubs in the world who aren’t selling clubs.”
Good and bad news for Toon?
Thomas Frank’s openness on the potential sale of Mbeumo brings with it both good and bad news as far as Newcastle are concerned.
Brentford are evidently open to the sale of their key forward and will not stand in Mbeumo’s way should he wish to leave this summer, despite sounding settled in West London.
The bad news is that Brentford will clearly demand a big fee for the forward, which could make us think twice with a goalkeeper, centre-back and striker also wanted.
With 18 goals in the Premier League this season, it’s hardly surprising that he’d come at a hefty fee, giving Newcastle plenty to consider as we begin to identify our priority targets heading into a huge summer.
