Bryan Mbeumo Ruben Amorim Eddie Howe, Brentford Newcastle Man United
(Credit: Imago / Hasan Karim - Breaking Media / Getty Images)
Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent
Tue 10 June 2025 12:00, UK
Newcastle may have the backing of Saudi money but their wage structure was likely a factor in Bryan Mbeumo choosing Man United as his preferred destination.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track Podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that whilst their rivals were willing to “break the bank” for their targets, the Magpies tend to exert more caution with their moves.
The Cameroon international enjoyed a stellar campaign with Brentford, scoring 20 goals and assisting seven as Thomas Frank‘s side finished 10th. One place and three points fewer than their record total achieved in the 2022/23 season.
O’Rourke revealed to Football Insider on 30 May that Newcastle were the favourites to sign Mbeumo, but the Magpies now look set to miss out on the in-demand winger.
Instead, Eddie Howe’s side will be forced to turn to alternative options, and the transfer correspondent revealed to Football Insider that Newcastle are keen to sign Mohammed Kudus from West Ham, after missing out on signing the Brentford man.
Mohammed Kudus Newcastle
Newcastle now look likely to turn to Mohammed Kudus. (Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)
Newcastle miss out on ‘Man United fan’ Bryan Mbeumo with wages ‘an issue’
Despite being flush for cash, thanks to their Saudi owners, Newcastle have been forced to exercise restraint in recent transfer windows, mainly due to the need to remain compliant with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR).
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Speaking on the new Inside Track, O’Rourke revealed that Mbeumo seemingly had his heart set on a move to United, and the Magpies’ wage structure would have played its part.
“The problem with Mbeumo is that it seems he just had his heart set on Old Trafford,” the senior correspondent told Football Insider.
“I think he grew up supporting Man United as well, so that was obviously a big pull for him, with United stepping up their efforts to sign him as well. That was a blow for them.
Bryan Mbeumo, Brentford
Bryan Mbeumo’s 2024/25 Premier League stats. (Credit: Imago)
“But, wages is probably a bit of an issue as well. Newcastle don’t really want to break their wage structure and maybe pay the big money that some of the other big clubs will pay.
“The likes of City, Liverpool, Arsenal, will go out there and break the bank to sign some transfer targets, but Newcastle are trying to keep it within a restricted wage budget as well.
“But I think if the right player comes along, we know that the backing is there from the owners, and I think now they’re back in the Champions League, that will also boost their transfer kitty as well.
“So I would expect at least two major signings at Newcastle this summer.”
Bruno Guimaraes playing for Newcastle
Bruno Guimaraes is one of Newcastle’s highest earners. (Credit: Imago)
Bryan Mbeumo wage demands prove a problem for Newcastle
Bruno Guimaraes is one of Newcastle’s highest-paid players, and according to The Telegraph, the Brazilian earns £180,000-a-week.
Meanwhile, The Times reported that Mbeumo is asking United for £250,000-a-week, making it easy to see why the 25-year-old’s salary was an issue for the Magpies.
Newcastle have done a good job in showing restraint in recent windows to avoid another dalliance with a PSR sanction, but they will need to continue to do so in the near future.
Champions League revenue will open a lot of fiscal doors for the North Eastern side, but until they can consistently boost their finances, players like Mbeumo will likely remain out of reach.
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