Newcastle eyeing UCL winner as Mbeumo alternative, he’s “one of the best players in the world”
Newcastle United’s summer transfer plans have encountered their first significant hurdle with Bryan Mbeumo’s apparent decision to join Manchester United, forcing the Magpies’ recruitment team to activate contingency plans.
The Brentford winger’s choice represents a genuine setback for Eddie Howe’s project, denying them a proven Premier League performer coming off a career-best 20-goal season.
However, the club’s swift identification of Kingsley Coman as an alternative target demonstrates the sophistication of their scouting operation and their determination to strengthen the right flank ahead of their Champions League return.
The potential acquisition of Coman presents an intriguing proposition for Newcastle. While the French international’s £34 million valuation sits comfortably within their budget, the move carries both opportunities and risks that require careful evaluation.
At 28 years old, Coman offers something Mbeumo couldn’t – a wealth of experience at football’s highest levels, evidenced by his remarkable collection of 30 major trophies across spells with Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, and Bayern Munich.
His pedigree in Champions League football specifically addresses one of Newcastle’s most pressing needs as they prepare for their return to Europe’s elite competition.
Statistical Comparison: Assessing the Alternatives
A detailed examination of both wingers’ performances reveals fascinating contrasts in their playing profiles. While Mbeumo’s superior goal output last season (20 goals to Coman’s 7) initially appears decisive, the underlying metrics tell a more nuanced story:
| Key Statistical Comparison (Per 90 Metrics) | Kingsley Coman | Bryan Mbeumo |
|---|---|---|
| Expected Goals (xG) | 0.30 | 0.32 |
| Key Passes | 2.25 | 1.85 |
| Shot-Creating Actions | 5.68 | 3.80 |
| Goal-Creating Actions | 0.77 | 0.53 |
| Progressive Carries | 4.65 | 3.43 |
Data sourced from FBref
These statistics demonstrate Coman’s superior creative output and ball progression despite his less impressive goal tally.
The Bayern winger’s ability to generate scoring opportunities for teammates (evidenced by his higher shot-creating and goal-creating actions) could prove invaluable for a Newcastle side that sometimes struggled to break down defensive opponents last season.
His experience in possession-dominant teams also aligns with Howe’s preferred style of play better than Mbeumo’s counter-attacking strengths at Brentford.
Coman’s primary drawback remains his injury history, having missed 12 games last season through various fitness issues.
This concern must be weighed against his unparalleled winning mentality – a quality that could prove transformative in Newcastle’s dressing room as they transition from ambitious upstarts to established contenders.
The Frenchman’s experience navigating title races and Champions League knockout stages offers intangible benefits that statistics cannot capture.
Financially, the proposed deal makes sound sense for Newcastle. The £34 million fee represents reasonable value for a player of Coman’s caliber, especially when compared to the potential £50-60 million Brentford might have demanded for Mbeumo.
This price difference could allow the Magpies to allocate additional funds to other priority positions, such as central defense or midfield. Coman’s wage demands will likely exceed Mbeumo’s, but Newcastle’s increased revenue from Champions League participation should comfortably accommodate this.
Tactical Fit and System Adaptation
From a tactical perspective, Coman’s versatility to play on either flank provides Howe with valuable flexibility. While primarily right-footed, the French international has spent significant time operating on both wings throughout his career, allowing Newcastle to rotate him with Anthony Gordon and Miguel Almirón as needed.
His technical proficiency in tight spaces would particularly benefit the Magpies against low-block defenses that frustrated them at times last season.
The potential move also reflects Newcastle’s evolving transfer strategy under Dan Ashworth’s influence. While early PIF-era signings focused on emerging talents, the interest in Coman signals a willingness to blend youth with proven winners – a balance crucial for clubs making the leap to consistent Champions League qualification.
His mentorship could accelerate the development of younger attackers like Elliot Anderson and Garang Kuol while immediately elevating the team’s performance level.
As Newcastle weigh their options, they face competition from Barcelona for Coman’s signature. However, the Catalan club’s financial limitations and focus on other targets like Luis Díaz and Marcus Rashford may work in the Magpies’ favor.
With Mbeumo seemingly bound for Old Trafford, Coman represents a credible alternative who brings different but equally valuable qualities to St James’ Park.
His potential acquisition would demonstrate Newcastle’s ability to adapt quickly in the transfer market – a trait they’ll need to cultivate as they establish themselves among Europe’s elite.