Manchester United could finally strike gold with Alejandro Garnacho's potential replacement if James Maddison's comments are to be believed.
The Red Devils are preparing a blockbuster move for Bryan Mbeumo in case Garnacho leaves Old Trafford this month. The Brentford star could be available for as little as £40 million – roughly the amount United expect to earn if they sell their Argentina international, who has been closely linked with a move to Napoli.
The 25-year-old Mbeumo has been on fire this season, scoring 13 goals in 21 Premier League games, with only Mohamed Salah, Erling Haaland, Alexander Isak and Cole Palmer scoring more. His finest goal – a thrilling volley against Tottenham in September – undoubtedly left Maddison in disbelief, with the England midfielder waxing lyrical about his opponent after the match.
“There was a shock in the whole stadium,” Maddison said of Mbeumo's volley scored after just 22 seconds. “We're all looking at each other: 'What are we going to do next?', because you don't plan that in a game plan.”
Brentford boss Thomas Frank has also praised Mbeumo in recent weeks, labeling him 'a leader in the making'. “He drives training with his attitude, work ethic and determination to want to get better and win,” the Dane added to The Athletic, although he has repeatedly ruled out a January departure for his player.
Elsewhere, talkSPORT pundit Jason Cundy called Mbeumo a mini version of Salah, comparing his playing style and ruthlessness in the penalty area to the Egyptian. “Mbeumo, I think, if you look at what could happen at Liverpool with Salah… I look at Mbeumo and what he is capable of,” the coach said. “He's a little mini Salah, with that right side, his left foot.”
United's move for Mbeumo will likely depend on whether they manage to offload one or both of Garnacho and Marcus Rashford. The pair have had a falling out with manager Ruben Amorim since being forced to stay home for the Manchester derby in December, and are now set to leave in January.
Napoli, who signed Scott McTominay from United in the summer, are looking for a new winger after reportedly agreeing to sell star striker Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to PSG. Garnacho, who until recently was considered indispensable by United, has emerged as one of the Serie A club's top targets and is open to the move.
It is also understood that United are more than willing to let the 20-year-old leave amid mounting concerns over the club's compliance with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). This is because as an academy graduate, Garnacho can be sold for 'pure profit'.
According to reports, McTominay, who has made a blistering start to life at Napoli, is working hard to lure his former teammate to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, and indirectly sent the Argentine a message a few weeks ago. “I love this place,” he told BBC Sport in December.
“I love the fans, I love my teammates. It was a pleasure to be with Billy [Gilmour] every day, rather than just seeing him in Scotland, and we helped each other a lot.”
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