'Likely' - Bryan Mbeumo transfer accepted as Newcastle United hear captain's comments
Brentford captain Christian Norgaard accepts that Bryan Mbeumo is likely to leave the club this summer.
Mbeumo and teammate Yoane Wissa have scored 18 goals each in the Premier League this season, with only Mohammed Salah (28), Alexander Isak (23), Erling Haaland (21) and Chris Wood (19) netting more.
Norgaard hopes Wissa can stay, however the Denmark international is less optimistic when it comes to Mbeumo.
Since moving to West London from French side Troyes six years ago, Mbeumo has been a consistent source of goals and assists, scoring 68 and providing 50. Performing so well for such a sustained period has attracted interest from some top clubs.
And that includes Newcastle United. Jacob Murphy has enjoyed the season of his life but is the only recognised right forward in the senior squad after Miguel Almiron returned to Atlanta United in January.
Brentford captain Christian Norgaard makes honest Bryan Mbeumo admission
Norgaard admits Mbeumo’s exit is “likely” with Arsenal and Liverpool also linked with the Cameroonian. However, the midfielder is relaxed about the situation having become accustomed to star names leaving Brentford.
In the summer of 2020, the Bees Ollie Watkins and Said Benrahma to Aston Villa and West Ham respectively, while last summer Ivan Toney left to join Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli.
“I am pretty calm about what will happen with Bryan [Mbeumo] and Yoane [Wissa],” Norgaard told Sky Sports News. “A lot of questions are asked about them and you can almost feel the worry around the place when you talk about them maybe leaving us.
“I was one that really feared us losing Ollie Watkins, Said Benrahma, Ivan Toney, so it continues.
“The club already have brought in Thiago who hasn’t played a lot this year but is another fantastic character and he will also take the league by storm at some point. When that is I don’t know but I’m sure he’ll be ready for whenever Wissa gets his dream move or if Bryan leaves there will be a change in the offensive players.
“I just think the club is so talented in terms of recruiting and always being two or three steps ahead.
“I think Brentford have done really well at keeping them for more than just one season. When you look at Ollie, he was here for quite long, Ivan was here for three seasons - it’s not like it’s one season and they go away.
“Bryan came the same time as me so six years, Wissa when we got promoted so four years he’s been here. I think that’s important as well so it’s not just in and out.
“You come here, get integrated into the team and become a big part of what we’re doing. Then you get your fully deserved move but not straight away, you get it further down the line.
“Whatever will happen, I think Bryan is likely to go, I don’t know with Wissa yet, everyone still hopes he might stay. Either way, I am for the season they’ve had both of them because they deserve it so much.”
Thomas Frank accepts Bryan Mbeumo could leave
Thomas Frank has confessed that Brentford are a selling club and that they are open to offers at the right price. Mbeumo is reportedly valued between £50million to £60m.
"I'm the head coach, I want my best players to stay forever. I know that Bryan is very happy being here at Brentford, he's thriving, 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 at the same time we have to reinforce that there are 10 clubs in the world who aren't selling clubs.
"So of course if the right price - and that's going to be expensive - is coming, then I'm sure the club will be open for it. But I'm very happy he's here, and I'm convinced that Bryan will still be happy playing football here.”