After parting ways with Marcus Rashford, Manchester United wasted no time in reinforcing their attacking line. The club has officially announced the signing of Cameroon international Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, with a contract running until 2030 and an optional one-year extension.
According to previous media reports, United paid a fixed fee of £65 million for the 25-year-old forward, plus an additional £6 million in performance-based bonuses, totaling £71 million, to be paid in four installments.
A Complicated Negotiation: United Frustrated with Brentford’s Tactics
However, the transfer process was far from smooth. Sources revealed that United were frustrated with Brentford’s approach during negotiations, accusing the club of deliberately placing obstacles in the way and attempting to sell Mbeumo to Premier League rivals, including Newcastle, Tottenham, and Chelsea.
Arsenal had also shown interest in the forward, but Mbeumo stood firm in his desire to join Manchester United.
To complicate matters further, Brentford reportedly pressured Mbeumo to lower his wage demands to facilitate a move to other clubs. Nonetheless, United showed outstanding respect and sincerity, ultimately offering him a weekly salary of £200,000, fully meeting his expectations.
A Dream Come True for Mbeumo
Speaking after the signing, Mbeumo expressed his excitement: “When I learned I had the chance to join Manchester United, I knew I had to sign with the club I had always dreamed of playing for. I grew up wearing a United shirt.”
He added, “My mindset is always to be better than I was yesterday. With the chance to learn from coach Amorim and play alongside world-class players, I believe I can reach new heights.”
United’s Director of Football, Jason Wilcox, also praised the signing: “Mbeumo has been outstanding in the Premier League. Over the past three seasons, he’s been one of the most productive attackers in the league.”
“Mbeumo believes in our project and is determined to be part of the club, which shows he’s the right fit for our culture. We’re delighted to secure another major target before the pre-season tour, which will be a perfect chance for him to integrate with Amorim and his new teammates.”
Pre-Season Tour Begins, No. 19 Shirt Finds a New Owner
Mbeumo will now join the squad on their preseason tour to the United States and is expected to make his debut on July 27 against West Ham United. Reports suggest he will wear the iconic No. 19 shirt, previously worn by players such as Raphael Varane, Marcus Rashford, Danny Welbeck, and Dwight Yorke.
During his time at Brentford, Mbeumo made 136 Premier League appearances, scoring 42 goals and providing 28 assists, making him the club’s most prolific contributor in Premier League history.
Last season, he was directly involved in 27 goals, becoming the second player in club history, after Ivan Toney in 2022/23, to contribute to over 20 goals in a single campaign.
This transfer not only highlights Manchester United’s determination to bounce back in the new season but also injects much-needed firepower into their attack.
As the pre-season approaches, Mbeumo will enter a crucial period to build chemistry with his new teammates. For now, United fans eagerly await his debut, hoping the new signing will shine at Old Trafford and help write the next chapter of the club’s success story.
