How majestic Mbeumo maximised his chance to become Brentford’s star forward

 

Brentford look set to lose a big-name forward before the start of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign but it might not be the player you think it’ll be.  

 

Ivan Toney has been linked with Arsenal and Chelsea over recent weeks and a move could be on the cards for the suspended striker. However, Bryan Mbeumo is currently playing his way to the top of a number of transfer shortlists and is making the most of his increased responsibilities. He might soon overtake his teammate as desirable number one within this Brentford team.  

 

Only Callum Wilson (7), Heung-Min Son and Mohamed Salah (both 8), and Erling Haaland (11) have more goals than Mbeumo so far this term. The France-born Cameroon international took his haul for the season to six when he netted in stoppage time against Chelsea this weekend. He’s also chipped in with two assists, meaning he’s been directly involved in 50% of the goals scored by the Bees in the Premier League.  

 

The 24-year-old looks destined to eclipse his best return in the Premier League of nine goals, a figure he posted last season. Mbeumo may have timed this step up to perfection.  

 

A number of teams are going to be in the market for a left-footed right-winger over the next 12 months. According to reports, the focus for the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal has been Pedro Neto but while the Wolves winger has impressed as a creator, he isn’t yet a reliable goal outlet whereas Mbeumo is.  

 

It could see the Brentford No.19 catapulted to the top of their list of transfer targets.  

 

He was consistent across his first two campaigns in the Premier League and now he’s scaled his output.  

 

 

For example, in his first season in the English top-flight, he had a WhoScored average rating of 6.74, scoring four goals from an Expected Goals total of 9.3. He was averaging 2.4 shots per 90 but was working the goalkeeper just 25% of the time.  

 

During the 2022/23 campaign, Mbeumo posted a WhoScored average of 7.01. He found the back of the net on nine occasions and posted an Expected Goals haul of 9.8. He attempted slightly fewer shots on a per 90 basis, just 2.2, but was hitting the target on a more regular basis (45.7%).  

 

After 10 Premier League games, his WhoScored average is currently 7.36. He’s scored six times with an Expected Goals total of 6.3. Mbeumo is averaging 2.5 shots per 90 and landing 44% of these attempts on target.  

 

What is interesting is that his shot volume has remained consistent across his time in the Premier League. His Expected Goal numbers have jumped this season and it coincides with Toney being out. In a nutshell, Mbeumo is getting the same number of opportunities but they’re coming from better areas. So they are higher value efforts. It highlights how his game has subtly evolved and points towards this sort of performance being sustainable.  

 

It is exactly what you want from a versatile wide forward in the Premier League.  

 

The 11-cap international is due a contract renewal soon. His current deal with Brentford is up in 2026, though the club does have the option to extend by a further 12 months, something they will likely do to protect his value.  

 

So while they are in no rush to sell, the 24-year-old is likely going to want to be compensated for this upturn in output. He’s also shouldering more of the attacking burden with Toney out and yet his performances haven’t tailed off. If the Bees aren’t willing to reward him for his goals, he’s been key in their climb up the table over recent weeks, then a move could well be on the cards for him

 

How majestic Mbeumo maximised his chance to become Brentford’s star forward