Manchester United Achieves Major Breakthrough in Bryan Mbeumo Deal
Manchester United are said to be nearing completion of a transfer deal for Brentford striker Bryan Mbeumo, having reportedly reached an agreement on the transfer fee.
United have been pursuing Mbeumo for several weeks. After securing Matheus Cunha's signature, Ruben Amorim turned his attention to the Cameroon striker, though talks with Brentford have proven challenging.
The Bees are experiencing significant changes this summer, with their manager departing, their first-choice keeper leaving, and captain Christian Nørgaard also expected to exit soon. The shrewd Premier League club had turned down several offers for Mbeumo and were previously thought to be seeking a fee similar to the £62.5 million ($86 million) paid for Cunha.
After this latest rejection, negotiations have reportedly reached a "breakthrough" according to ESPN. United are prepared to pay £60 million ($82.6 million) upfront, with the total package potentially rising to £65 million ($89.5 million) through various performance-related clauses.
Mbeumo has been identified as United's top transfer "priority," despite interest in Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo and Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze. With the Mbeumo deal now reportedly agreed, ESPN suggests that a third attacking acquisition remains possible.
Given that Cunha and Mbeumo are well-suited to operate as the dual No. 10s in Amorim's favored 3-4-2-1 formation, United's next signing would probably be a traditional striker. The Red Devils have maintained long-standing interest in Sporting CP's coveted Viktor Gyökeres, who is rumored to be considering strike action to secure a summer departure.
Reports have also emerged suggesting United have approached Chelsea regarding versatile forward Christopher Nkunku. Similar to Mbeumo and Cunha, the nimble French player has excelled when playing alongside a conventional striker. However, United might arrange a beneficial swap deal with Chelsea that would see unsettled winger Alejandro Garnacho head to Stamford Bridge.