Newcastle United’s season took another huge step back on Saturday.
Indeed, Eddie Howe’s side were dreadful in the second-half at Brentford and fell to a 4-2 defeat to extend their winless run to four games.
Newcastle defended like amateurs and while they did fight back in the first-half, lacked any kind of real threat after the break.
The Bees, the best home team in the Premier League this season, were good value for their victory and deserve credit for that.
Still, it’s difficult to get away from how bad Newcastle were. Howe claimed his side would “cringe” when watching the game back and even questioned the attitude of some of his players.
Alan Shearer labelled the display as “hopeless” before slamming their application. Bruno Guimaraes even described the trip to west London as a “mess”.
The Newcastle United manager will hold talks with his squad this week but it’s difficult to see how things change to any great degree. The squad lacks options and it appears there is no guarantee that signings will be made in the January transfer window.
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That’s not to say Howe can’t turn things around but the challenge is rather significant.
Interestingly, a player Newcastle reportedly want to sign dazzled once again when Howe’s side came to town.
Premier League manager says Newcastle couldn’t handle player they want to sign
Bees forward Bryan Mbeumo has been talked up as Newcastle’s dream signing and it was he who opened the scoring on Saturday.
Talking up the Cameroon international, Brentford boss Thomas Frank said (via BBC Sport): “Bryan Mbeumo today was unplayable. The way he holds the ball up and links play, like today to Kevin Schade [for the fourth goal] was very impressive.”
Newcastle have a transfer alternative to Bryan Mbeumo
Having already bagged nine goals this season from largely a right-wing berth, it’s easy to see why Newcastle are keen on the player.
Bryan Mbeumo of Brentford celebrates after Kevin Schade of Brentford (not pictured) scores his team's fourth goal during the Premier League match b...
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Still, they are understood to be aware that the idea of signing Mbeumo will be both complicated and expensive.
With that in mind, the club are reportedly considering alternatives. In fact, Geordie Boot Boys have been told that Newcastle are fans of PSV Eindhoven forward Johan Bakayoko.
TBR Football insider Graeme Bailey said: “Bakayoko is a very good player.
“He’s high on the list for a lot of clubs for that right-sided attacker role. He has been linked with Newcastle United before, it’s not a completely new link. Newcastle have looked at him previously.
“He’s a very good option. Paul Mitchell likes him. The Newcastle United scouting department like him a lot. He’s under consideration and ticks the boxes for what they are looking for – young and extremely talented. He’s got a lot about him and you can see why he would be on Newcastle’s radar.
“Liverpool and Arsenal have been interested in the past. Brentford also made an offer for him during the summer.
“He would be cheaper than someone like Bryan Mbeumo, who is one of Newcastle’s top targets.
“The expectation is that Bakayoko will leave PSV Eindhoven in 2025, whether that is in January or the summer.”
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