Liverpool and Brentford have been two of the 2024/25 season’s biggest successes. Two vibrant, hungry teams full of goals, led by forward-thinking managers who play aggressive football and have well exceeded the clubs’ season expectations.
Premier League title triumph for the Reds was a pipe dream but not an expectation in Arne Slot’s first season at the club, and the manner they cruised to first place without breaking a sweat was nothing short of remarkable.
Brentford struggled in 2023/24 without the banned Ivan Toney, finishing 16th and playing a significantly more conservative brand of game than we are accustomed to seeing now. But Thomas Frank altered things up this year, relying on the club’s attacking talent to win games and reaping the benefits.
Brentford finished in the top half for the second consecutive season and remained in contention for a European spot until the last day. However, the terrible reality for a team punching above its weight is that larger teams come looking for their talents.
Liverpool and Brentford might conduct business through a sophisticated swap transaction.
Liverpool and Brentford could benefit from a player-plus-cash trade involving Bryan Mbeumo and Caoimhín Kelleher, as both clubs seek to strengthen crucial positions this summer.
The Reds are looking for forward options, since Darwin Nunez is expected to go and Luis Díaz and Diogo Jota’s futures are uncertain. Mbeumo may be the solution to this problem.
While he generally plays on Mohamed Salah’s nailed-down right side, Liverpool’s other forwards are known for being interchangeable, so Mbeumo may be placed in the centre if necessary. He is more than capable, having scored 20 Premier League goals in 2024/25.
However, the Bees may be in desperate need of a new custodian as Mark Flekken prepares to join Bundesliga giants Bayer Leverkusen. Flekken has been impressive for the club, but Kelleher is five years younger and a player poised to be a Premier League number one. A contract between Mbeumo and Kelleher would benefit all parties.
Is it possible to arrange a swap between Bryan Mbeumo and Caoimhín Kelleher?
As it is, both players are expected to leave this summer, thus this trade is a serious possibility. Brentford are reportedly asking for £50 million from teams interested in their top player Mbeumo, while Kelleher’s transfer away from Anfield is expected to cost more than £20 million. So, if Liverpool offered £27 million in addition to Kelleher’s services in exchange for Mbeumo, there is a chance a deal might be struck.
Speaking in early May, Frank admitted that Mbeumo could go 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 shared with Sky Sports. “I’ve stated several times that we are a selling club. But at the same time, we must emphasise that there are ten clubs in the world that are not selling clubs.”
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