Newcastle United identify ‘dream target’ who could resolve obvious issue in Eddie Howe’s starting lineup

Newcastle United are believed to be eyeing up a move for Brentford attacker Bryan Mbeumo as they bid to rejuvenate the team’s attacking options after a hugely underwhelming start to the 2024/25 season.

In the past, Newcastle’s main strength under Eddie Howe has been their ability to seamlessly create opportunities and score goals. 

But so far this term, it has been a major cause for concern for the Magpies, who have scored just nine goals in nine matches - a figure that is 15 lower than the tally that Howe’s team had managed at this same stage last term.

In particular, Newcastle’s lack of a threat from the right side of attack has come in for scrutiny, with both Miguel Almiron and Jacob Murphy struggling for goals.

So far this term, Almiron has failed to register a single goal or assist in all competitions, while Murphy has managed two assists in the league without scoring.

These figures are dwarfed by Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes on the left-hand side, who between them have five league goals and one assist despite not yet finding their best form in the league.

Newcastle have revolutionised the team in almost all areas of the pitch since the Saudi-led PIF takeover in 2021, but the one position where they have failed to strengthen is the right hand side of attack.

Telegraph Sport reporter Luke Edwards, however, understands that Mbeumo has been earmarked as the team’s ‘dream target’ in the winter window after an incredible start to the campaign which has seen him register eight goals in nine Premier League appearances.

Mbeumo is capable of playing both as a right winger and a centre forward and is someone who is blessed with incredible pace, strength and composure in front of goal, with nearly as many goals this term as the entirety of Newcastle’s team.

He has long been regarded as one of the club’s top targets and along with Michael Olise and Anthony Elanga was identified as a player that Newcastle wanted to sign in the summer.

The Cameroon international, who also registered nine goals and six assists last term, is under contract until the summer of 2026 and is seen as a player that Thomas Frank is determined to retain on a long-term basis.