Liverpool star Mohamed Salah continues to be a vital figure at Anfield, with the Egyptian already netting five goals this season, including the winner against Wolves that propelled the Reds to the top of the Premier League under new manager Arne Slot.
However, rumors of Salah moving to the Saudi Pro League have gained momentum, as his contract at Liverpool is set to expire next summer.
With no clear signs of an extension, Liverpool may soon need to find a replacement for their talisman.
Amidst this uncertainty, football pundit Tony Cascarino has suggested Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo as a potential successor to Salah.
Speaking to The Times, Cascarino lauded the 25-year-old as an ideal replacement if the Egyptian departs.
Cascarino’s Case for Mbeumo
“If Mohamed Salah is in his last year or two at Liverpool, I think Mbeumo should be at the top of their list of potential replacements,” Cascarino said, emphasising the Brentford star’s qualities and how they could fit into Liverpool’s system.
Cascarino highlighted Mbeumo’s ability to elevate the performances of those around him, likening him to Teddy Sheringham, known for his ability to build strong attacking partnerships.
One of Mbeumo’s key attributes is his versatility. The Brentford forward has thrived in different attacking setups, whether alongside Ivan Toney or Yoane Wissa, making him a valuable asset for any team.
His adaptability and intelligent play remind Cascarino of the way Sheringham built partnerships with strikers like Alan Shearer and Jurgen Klinsmann.
“That is the sign of a really good player but also a guy with a great attitude,” Cascarino added.
Mbeumo, who joined Brentford for a modest £5.8 million from Troyes in 2019, has turned out to be one of the best-value signings of the past decade. His steady rise in the Premier League, coupled with his ability to deliver consistently for Brentford, makes him an attractive target for bigger clubs.
While Mbeumo could be an excellent fit for Liverpool, securing his signature may prove costly. Brentford will likely demand a significant fee to part ways with their star forward, especially after losing Ivan Toney to the Saudi Pro League.
Mbeumo has become crucial to Brentford’s attack, contributing five goals already this season—matching Salah’s output.
Liverpool, on the other hand, may have the financial power to meet Brentford’s valuation if they cash in on Salah. With Saudi clubs reportedly prepared to offer a substantial fee for the Egyptian, Liverpool could reinvest that money into bringing Mbeumo to Anfield.