This clever swap deal could be the perfect remedy to Liverpool and Brentford’s problems.
Liverpool and Brentford have been two of the success stories of the 2024/25 season. Two exciting, hungry sides full of goals, with forward-thinking managers playing attacking brands of football, and far surpassing the clubs’ respective expectations for the season.
As for Brentford, it is easy to forget that the Bees struggled in 2023/24 without the banned Ivan Toney, finishing 16th and playing a far more defensive style of football than that which we are accustomed to seeing now. But Thomas Frank changed it all up for this year, relying on the club’s attacking talent to win matches and seeing the rewards.
Brentford finished in the top half for the second time, and were still in contention for a European place until the final day. But the unfortunate reality for a side punching above their weight is that bigger clubs come hunting for their stars.
Liverpool and Brentford could do business with a smart swap deal
The Reds are in need of forward options, with Darwin Nunez looking likely to leave while doubts remain about the futures of Luis Díaz and Diogo Jota. Mbeumo could be the solution to this problem. While he does usually operate from Mohamed Salah’s nailed-down right-wing spot, Liverpool’s other forwards are famed for being interchangeable and this could see Mbeumo deployed through the centre if need be. With his 20 Premier League goals in 2024/25, he is more than capable.
The Bees, however, may be in urgent need of a new goalkeeper as Mark Flekken closes in on a move to Bundesliga giants Bayer Leverkusen. Flekken has been impressive for the club, but Kelleher is five years younger and a player ready in waiting to be a Premier League number one. A deal involving Mbeumo and Kelleher would make a lot of sense for all parties.
Could a swap deal involving Bryan Mbeumo and Caoimhín Kelleher happen?
Both players are likely to move on this summer as it is, so there could be a realistic chance of this move taking place. Brentford are reportedly asking for £50m from parties interested in their star man Mbeumo, while a transfer away from Anfield for Kelleher is likely to take place for a figure in excess of £20m. So, say Liverpool were to offer £27m in addition to the services of Kelleher in exchange for Mbeumo, there’s every chance a deal could be made.
Speaking at the beginning of May, Frank conceded that Mbeumo may well move on this summer. "If the right price - and that’s going to be expensive - is coming, then I’m sure the club will be open to it,” Frank told Sky Sports. "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.”
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