According to Sky Sports, Liverpool has included Brentford forward Bryan Mbuemo, valued at 50 million euros and priced at 50 million pounds, on their shortlist and may sign him this year.
At the beginning of the season, new Liverpool manager Arne Slot faced questions about his tactical integrity and how much of Liverpool's strong start was due to Jurgen Klopp's legacy. Some claim that the Dutchman grew under the protection of his predecessor, but as Liverpool confidently entered the new year atop the Premier League and Champions League standings, such arguments have become increasingly weak.
Klopp's passion and counter-pressing style can be found in this Liverpool team. The visual illusion on the field can give the appearance of Klopp's system, but don't be mistaken; Slot definitely has his own style. Despite the heavy workload and lack of activity in the summer transfer window, he has molded the Anfield team into his own image. Liverpool is now more relaxed, less manic and energetic. They score more goals and concede fewer. This is a hallmark of Slot's style, ensuring the team can raise its intensity to the highest level when needed while also being able to calm down at any time.
This summer, Federico Chiesa was signed for an astonishing 12.5 million pounds, but due to injury issues, he has only played four times. With Darwin Nunez's future also uncertain, Liverpool's owner Fenway Group may authorize the signing of a top player this year or even this month.
According to Sky Sports, Liverpool plans to sign Brentford forward Mbuemo. Under Thomas Frank's management, Mbuemo has become a sought-after forward target with his outstanding performances during Brentford's remarkable journey. Reliable reports indicate that Newcastle United is also in the competition and willing to pay 50 million pounds this month, despite concerns about the Premier League Financial Fair Play PSR restrictions.
Despite having the world's best right-winger in Mohamed Salah, Mbuemo could be the perfect move to strengthen Slot's burgeoning frontline as Chiesa ponders his future, feeling marginalized and seeking an exit.
Since joining from French second-tier side Troyes in 2019, Mbuemo has contributed 105 goals in 222 appearances. At just 24, he feels his best days are ahead. He is considered one of the most exciting forwards in the Premier League, scoring against Arsenal on New Year's Day, his 45th goal since the start of the 2022/23 season, placing him seventh in the Premier League scoring charts during this period, just behind Alexander Isak.
He always appears in the right place to look for goals, but he is not just a shooter. According to FBref data, Mbuemo actually ranks in the top 9% of players in his position in the Premier League this season for shot-creating actions and progressive passes, in the top 12% for progressive carries and successful dribbles, and in the top 14% for tackles per 90 minutes. This season, Mbuemo has scored 11 goals in 19 Premier League games, assisted twice, created eight chances, and averaged 1.3 tackles and 1.3 clearances defensively, with an average composite rating of 7.46, ranking third among Premier League players in his position.
Such statistics have led to comparisons with players like Isak and Nunez. Now Liverpool has the opportunity to sign a forward with the unique attributes of both Nunez and Isak, capable of freely switching between the number 9 and wing positions. This season, new Liverpool manager Slot has already shown his willingness to use wingers in the center-forward position through Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz, with significant results.
According to Sofascore data, since the summer of 2023, Mbuemo has scored 20 Premier League goals, missing only 14 big chances during that time. Isak, one of the deadliest finishers in the Premier League, has missed 30 big chances since the 2023/24 season but still managed to score 33 goals. In contrast, Nunez has only scored 13 Premier League goals within the discussed timeframe but missed 30 big chances.
For Nunez's fans, such missed opportunities can be frustrating, though they can take comfort in the fact that Nunez is a chaos creator for Liverpool up front. Nunez is a center-forward that fans love and hate, using his athletic style and energy to help the team achieve goals.
In the past year, among forwards in Europe's top five leagues, he ranks in the top 14% for progressive carries and the top 3% for tackles per 90 minutes, which is impressive. However, we can see that Mbuemo will implement a tactical strategy that can offset Nunez's role, bringing a new sharpness with his expertise to complement the likes of Salah and Cody Gakpo.
While Mbuemo may not provide the shooting ability of Isak for Liverpool, he can emulate it in his own way. That's enough. More than enough. Under Slot's leadership, Liverpool may already have the best frontline domestically, and the "output machine" Mbuemo will make Liverpool's frontline even better.