Liverpool handed big boost in race for Salah successor after captain's admission

Mohamed Salah has signed a new contract with Liverpool, but the club are still interested in signing a long-term successor this summer, with Bryan Mbeumo an in-form option

Brentford captain Christian Norgaard has admitted that star player Bryan Mbeumo is “likely” to be sold in the summer transfer window. Mbeumo has 18 goals and six assists in 35 Premier League appearances this season and has attracted interest from Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool.

The 25-year-old winger has been a stand-out player in the Premier League this season and could follow the likes of Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney in leaving Brentford for big transfer fees this summer. Mbeumo is under contract until June 2026 and the Bees have the option of a further year they can trigger, but his performances have made a move increasingly likely.

Although Mohamed Salah recently committed his future to Liverpool by signing a new two-year contract, he is 32 and the club could look for a successor this summer. Mbeumo plays in the same position and has been touted as just that, while Arsenal and United are also on the lookout for goalscorers.

Brentford manager Thomas Frank knows his club are powerless to avoid forces further up the food chain and has reportedly slapped a £60million price tag on Mbeumo. Norgaard has been with the Bees since 2019 and knows Mbeumo and fellow forward Yoane Wissa could be poached this summer.

“I think Bryan is likely to go,” Norgaard told Sky Sports. “I don't know about Wissa yet. Everyone hopes that he might stay. Either way, I'm happy for the season and am happy for both of them. They deserve it so much.”

He added: “I'm sure he will be ready if Wissa gets his dream move, or Bryan leaves and there will be a change of the offensive players. I think the club is so talented in recruiting and always being two or three steps ahead.”

Frank has a pragmatic and realistic approach and knows Brentford will have to sell Mbeumo if a big offer arrives this summer. “I'm the head coach, I want my best players to stay forever,” he said last week.

“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.”