Report: The Evolution of Bryan Mbeumo: From Ligue 2 to Premier League Leader | OneFootball

Bryan Mbeumo: Brentford’s Underrated Star Finally Gets His Moment

Brentford always knew Bryan Mbeumo was a special talent. His journey from a relatively unknown prospect in Ligue 2 to one of the Premier League’s most consistent performers is one of patience, development, and undeniable quality.

It was August 2019 when the then-Championship side made what was their record signing of £5.4 million to bring Mbeumo to England. At the time, Rasmus Ankersen, Brentford’s co-director of football, set high expectations.

“We are going to buy a young player from France, and if he is not a world-class player in a couple of years, I’m going to be very disappointed,” Jansson tells The Athletic.

Fast forward to 2024, and it is difficult to argue against Ankersen’s foresight. After years in the shadows of other star forwards, Mbeumo has stepped up as Brentford’s main man, a leader both on and off the pitch. His recent performances have put him firmly on the radar of Europe’s elite, with Newcastle United among his reported admirers.

From Avallon to Premier League Stardom

Mbeumo’s footballing story is one of relentless dedication. Born in Avallon, a small historic town in Burgundy, he honed his skills on the tarmac pitches near his home. He was never far from a football, a trait recognised by his early coaches.

“Even at the time, he had all the qualities to become a great player,” Patrick Bocquel, his former coach, told L’Yonne Republicain in 2022.

A move to Troyes followed, where he won the Coupe Gambardella, France’s top youth competition. His 2018-19 breakout campaign in Ligue 2 saw him net ten goals, alerting Brentford to his talent. Initially hesitant about joining a club outside England’s top tier, he was persuaded by head coach Thomas Frank, who ensured him of Brentford’s vision.

His first season in the Championship was a roaring success, with 16 goals in 45 games. Despite play-off heartbreak against Fulham, his impact was undeniable. Kevin O’Connor, Brentford’s assistant coach, remembers those early days well:

Photo: IMAGO

“When we first got asked to watch him by the recruitment department, straight away I thought, ‘I like him, he is a good player and we need to get him’,” says O’Connor.

“You could see the potential and talent in him from the start,” agrees Jansson.

The promotion-winning campaign in 2020-21 saw Mbeumo forge a new partnership with Ivan Toney. Playing on the right in a 4-3-3, he contributed eight goals and 12 assists. With Toney’s prolific goalscoring, Brentford finally secured promotion to the Premier League.

Premier League Evolution and Stepping Out of the Shadows

Life in the top flight saw Mbeumo transition into a more direct, tactical role. Thomas Frank’s 3-5-2 system initially forced him to adapt, playing off Toney’s flick-ons rather than cutting in from the right. His debut season was one of mixed fortunes—his work rate was superb, but his finishing let him down. He hit the post or crossbar a Premier League-high seven times and finished with just four goals from an xG of 9.3.

A shift back to his favoured role in 2022-23 brought immediate improvements. Eight goals and eight assists followed, but it was last season where he truly came into his own. With Toney serving an eight-month suspension for breaching FA betting rules, Brentford had to find a new focal point.

Frank later admitted that Mbeumo’s absence through injury for four months last season was more damaging than Toney’s:

“He was our biggest miss for four months last year, even with (Ivan) Toney out. He was our key player and has added another layer this season with five goals in (this season’s first) six games. That’s incredible and he’s creating chances.”

This season, Mbeumo has reached a new level, scoring 15 goals and providing four assists in 26 games. His xG overperformance (+6.6 goals) ranks fourth-highest among strikers in Europe’s top five leagues, according to Opta.

With Toney’s departure to the Saudi Pro League last summer, Mbeumo is now the undisputed leader of Brentford’s attack. His technical improvements have been vast—his crossing, weight of pass, and finishing under pressure have all reached new heights.

“He has been getting better and better,” O’Connor says. “He is more confident, he is taking more responsibility. He works so hard on his game. He’s a very good player but there is even more to come.”

The Cameroonian international is also a strong dressing-room influence, replacing Toney in the club’s senior leadership group. His consistency, intelligence, and work ethic have made him a favourite of Thomas Frank.

“He’s a top player. I’m convinced he will play for a bigger club. I’d buy him if I was at a bigger club,” Frank told The Times in October.

With Brentford currently in a steady Premier League position but lacking the financial power of the traditional big clubs, the question now is: how long can they hold onto him?

Transfer Interest and the Road Ahead

Mbeumo’s contract at Brentford runs until 2026, with the club holding an option to extend for another year. Despite this, transfer speculation is growing. No formal bids were received last summer, but that is expected to change.

Mbeumo himself has made no secret of his ambitions:

“I want to play in the biggest competitions, at the best clubs,” he told L’Equipe last year.

Former Brentford captain Pontus Jansson shares the same concerns:

“I’m afraid how long Brentford can keep him. That’s how good he is at the moment.”

With interest from top European clubs, including Newcastle United, a summer departure could be on the horizon. Brentford, well-versed in recruitment and squad planning, will already be preparing for that possibility. But for now, Mbeumo remains their talisman—both in talent and leadership.

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Excited Brentford Fan Perspective

Mbeumo’s rise at Brentford is the perfect underdog story. He has stepped up every time the club has needed him, filling the void left by Watkins, Benrahma, and now Toney. His stats this season are world-class, and it’s no surprise big clubs are circling. But will Brentford be able to keep him?

The worry is that, while Brentford’s recruitment strategy is excellent, replacing a player of Mbeumo’s quality is never easy. If he does leave, the club must reinvest wisely—another unpolished gem from Europe, perhaps?

For now, Brentford fans should enjoy every moment of watching Mbeumo play. He’s one of the best talents to ever wear the red and white, and if he moves on, he’ll go down as one of the club’s greatest success stories.