Transfer Progress and Fee
Manchester United are on the verge of securing Brentford’s 25-year-old Cameroonian forward Bryan Mbeumo, with negotiations progressing positively toward a £65m deal, including £60m upfront and £5m in add-ons. United’s initial £45m bid with £10m in bonuses was rejected, but their improved offer has bridged the gap with Brentford’s valuation, which matches the £62.5m paid for Matheus Cunha from Wolves. The clubs are finalizing payment structures, with Brentford expecting to confirm the transfer, their largest ever, before United’s pre-season training begins on July 7, 2025. Mbeumo, who has verbally agreed to a five-year contract worth £150,000 per week, is set to undergo a medical in Manchester once the deal is finalized.
Mbeumo’s Fit in Amorim’s System
Mbeumo, who scored 20 goals and provided 8 assists in 38 Premier League games in 2024/25, is targeted to play as a right-sided No. 10 in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation alongside Cunha. His versatility, demonstrated as a winger and striker at Brentford since joining from Troyes for £5.8m in 2019, suits Amorim’s system, which struggled last season due to limited attacking options (44 league goals). Former Cameroon defender Sebastien Bassong praised Mbeumo’s “football IQ,” noting his ability to exploit spaces, evade defenders, and deliver consistent end product (3.2 shots per game, 27 goal involvements). His 844 recoveries and 189 tackles won since 2021 highlight his defensive work rate, making him ideal for United’s high-pressing style.
Mbeumo’s Preference and Competition
Mbeumo has prioritized Manchester United over Tottenham, Arsenal, and Newcastle, despite interest from new Spurs manager Thomas Frank, his former Brentford coach. He informed United of his desire to join Old Trafford, even without European football, and has held talks with teammate Andre Onana. Tottenham’s interest cooled after United’s improved bid, while Arsenal’s focus shifted to RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko. Brentford, with Mbeumo’s contract expiring in June 2026 (plus a one-year extension option), are open to selling but held firm for a fee comparable to Cunha’s, reflecting his 70 career goals and 51 assists in 242 appearances.
Impact and Context
The signing addresses United’s goal-scoring woes, with Mbeumo’s 20 goals outpacing Cunha’s 15 last season. United’s financial constraints, worsened by missing the Champions League, require sales of players like Alejandro Garnacho or Marcus Rashford to balance the £125m spent on Cunha and Mbeumo. Brentford plan to reinvest £20m in Celtic’s Nicolas Kuhn as a replacement. Mbeumo’s absence for the Africa Cup of Nations (December 24, 2025–January 18, 2026) may affect early integration, but his Premier League experience (201 interceptions, top since 2021) ensures minimal adaptation time.
Next Steps for United
With Mbeumo’s deal nearing completion, United aim to integrate him into their US pre-season tour starting July 26, 2025, ahead of their Premier League opener against Arsenal on August 17. Amorim also seeks a central striker, with Viktor Gyokeres a top target despite his preference for Arsenal, and Lille’s Lucas Chevalier as a potential goalkeeper signing. Fans on X are optimistic, hailing Mbeumo’s “clinical” finishing, though some question United’s budget after Rashford and Garnacho’s uncertain futures. The transfer window, open until September 1, 2025, could see further moves as United rebuild for a top-four push.
