Who is Bryan Mbeumo?

Brentford are in danger of losing their most important player, and no one would be surprised if that happens.

In a season where hopes of qualifying for the European Cup were dashed after a home defeat to Fulham (May 18), Bryan Mbeumo became a rare bright spot, a star who could no longer hide his brilliance from the relentless pursuit of the Premier League giants.

From 'Toney's shadow' to the heart of Brentford's play

Since joining Brentford from Troyes in 2019 for just €6.5m, Mbeumo has been an important cog but never a central figure, playing in the shadow of Ollie Watkins, and then Ivan Toney – the main goalscorers who have defined Brentford’s style of play for many seasons.

But football sometimes needs change to give birth to something new. Ivan Toney’s eight-month ban in 2023 for breaching betting regulations left a huge void in Brentford’s attack. Instead of a crisis, the team has seen a dramatic rise: Bryan Mbeumo is no longer the “assistant”, but has become “himself”.

The numbers don't lie. Bryan Mbeumo has been much more effective without Ivan Toney. Performance comparisons show the difference.

In 69 appearances alongside Toney, Mbeumo scored eight goals and provided nine assists, averaging 0.12 goals and 0.13 assists per game. However, without the English striker on the pitch, Mbeumo really exploded. In 64 games without Toney, the 25-year-old Cameroonian scored 32 goals and contributed 17 assists - achieving a rate of 0.50 goals and 0.27 assists per game.

This is clear evidence that Mbeumo is at his best when playing in a central attacking role.

Mbeumo scored 20 goals in the Premier League in the 2024/25 season.

No longer overshadowed by his partner, Mbeumo showed his sharpness, confidence and ability to decide games, with the African becoming first-choice at some of the most crucial times of the season – especially when Brentford needed someone to lead the attack.

With 20 goals and 7 assists this season, he is only behind Salah, Isak, Haaland in the Premier League's top scorers list.

Mbeumo is too good to stay at Brentford

Despite being under contract until 2026, Mbeumo is currently valued at around £50m, and Brentford are open to offers. Arsenal are reportedly in advanced talks, while Manchester United are said to have made an offer of up to £65m. Liverpool are also monitoring the situation closely.

It is worth mentioning that coach Thomas Frank - who understands Mbeumo's development better than anyone - did not hide the possibility of parting with his student: "He has made great progress this season. If I were to lead a big club, I would buy him immediately." That statement is not only a recognition, but also a signal that Brentford is ready to let go.

However, Mbeumo is facing a difficult crossroads. The numbers show that he thrives when deployed as a central striker – something he would find difficult to achieve if he moved to clubs like Manchester United, Arsenal or Liverpool. Can a player who shines in a key role maintain his form when he has to rotate and share the spotlight with many other stars?

At Arsenal, he will compete with Bukayo Saka. At Liverpool, it is Mohamed Salah or Diogo Jota. And at Man United, the team's inconsistent form can affect his ability to develop.

Mbeumo wants to go to Manchester United.

However, at 25, Mbeumo has proven that he has the talent and experience to move up the ladder. After 135 Premier League appearances and 42 goals, what he needs now is a big enough environment to challenge himself.

The summer transfer market will see an exciting competition for Bryan Mbeumo’s signature. The Cameroonian is no longer the “unknown” he was in 2019, but a proven Premier League star whose performance and influence could upgrade the attack of any big team.

The question is no longer "Will Mbeumo leave?", but "Which club is quick enough and timely enough to get Brentford's brightest gem?".

Source: https://znews.vn/bryan-mbeumo-la-ai-post1557873.html