31-year-old forward Mohamed Salah has fallen from his peak performances and is not able to do as much work in front of goal as he used to. His left-footed passing is still going strong and there are rumours of a move away from the increasingly demanding winger next season.
Liverpool’s search for a replacement for that position continues, and they are looking at players with good vertical speed, including Belgian international Yohan Bakayoko and Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Pedro Neto, who also plays in the Premier League.
According to L’Equipe, Liverpool and Newcastle United are interested in Cameroon international Bryan Mbeumo, who leads Brentford’s attack alongside England international Ivan Toney.
The French winger joined from Troyes in 2019. He has made 200 appearances, scoring 50 goals and providing 42 assists, and has developed into an integral part of the team’s attack, making his debut for Cameroon in 2022 and scoring two goals in 11 games since then.
In addition to his running ability, which allows him to adapt to high-speed counters, he is also a sharp dribbler who aims to shoot. He is also physical and bold enough to break through on his own, but also works well with the attackers and midfielders around him and does not rely solely on his individual ability.
He is the type of forward who can also return in defence, but with his colleague Tony also being linked with a move, there is no way Brentford would let go of both of their main attackers. Either could be sold, but given his age and the length of his contract, the England striker is likely to be a priority.
Will the 24-year-old winger, whose style of play is similar to that of Egyptian King, continue to play at the Community Stadium next season, or will he play at Anfield or St James’ Park…?