Emilie Heskey has called on Liverpool to capitalize on Manchester United’s shortcomings in the transfer window and conclude a deal for Brentford’s Bryan Mbuemo.
The Red Devils have been locked in talks to try and sign Mbuemo for weeks, but have yet been unable to get a deal over the line. According to the Guardian, negotiations over a deal to sign Mbuemo have stalled, with United unwilling to match Brentford’s £70million ($94M) valuation.
With the deal now in doubt, Heskey feels Liverpool should swoop in and hijack the transfer, especially given the uncertainty surrounding Luis Diaz’s future at Anfield. The Colombian was the subject of a $116M (£59M) offer from Bayern Munich, a bid which was immediately rejected.
“I had thought that Bryan Mbeumo could have been the next in line, or Mohammed Kudus. I’ve liked them both for that role since the start of last season,” Heskey recently told BestBettingSites.co.uk.
“They’re proven, and they both look in top nick at the moment. But I can’t say there’s anyone who is on [Mohamed] Salah’s level right now, or who could put up numbers of 40 goals and assists every year. It’s just crazy.
“I think the thing for Liverpool is that they need to spread it around, and let some players each take up some extra responsibility. It might not be the one player who solves this problem, but the whole front three.”
Bryan Mbeumo of Brentford reacts during the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Gtech Community Stadium on December 21, 2024 in Brentford, England.
Liverpool was linked with a move for Mbuemo earlier this year (Image: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Another possible solution to the Diaz problem could come in the form of Anthony Gordon at Newcastle United.
Given Liverpool’s interest in Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike, the Magpies have been prevalent in the Reds’ recent transfer rumors, but Heskey wants his former club to pursue another Newcastle star.
“One player I like is Anthony Gordon at Newcastle, he’d be a great option,” said the 47-year-old.
Emile Heskey
Heskey made 223 appearances between 2000 and 2004 (Image: (Image: Getty))
“He’d give you someone direct, who still understands how to take players on and beat them. He’s a winger who gives you width and gets to the byline, who can entertain.
“We’ve lost that a bit and Anthony is a bit of a throwback to earlier times, but his dribbling and direct attacking gets fans off their seats.”
However, Liverpool’s current stance is that it does not plan to sell Diaz, who is valued internally at €100M ($116M/£87M). The former Porto man has also attracted interest from Barcelona and Al-Nassr.
As for Mbuemo, there is still hope at Old Trafford that a deal can be concluded to sign the Cameroon attacker.