Manchester United Launch Enhanced Third Offer to Secure Bryan Mbeumo
Manchester United's previous reluctance to exceed £65 million ($87.1 million) for Brentford striker Bryan Mbeumo seems to have ended following reports of a fresh proposal.
United have already had two bids for Mbeumo turned down this summer, with the latest reaching £62.5 million ($83.7 million), matching the fee paid for Matheus Cunha.
Mbeumo, who netted 20 Premier League goals in 2024–25, expressed his desire to join United after last season concluded, though talks have progressed slowly.
Earlier this week, The Guardian reported that co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and new sporting director Jason Wilcox believed a £65 million ($87.1 million) package would be sufficient by late June. Brentford were reportedly "hinting privately" that a medical examination was "anticipated soon".
The same report noted Ratcliffe's determination "not to be forced into paying beyond" £65 million. He and Wilcox, who assumed the role left vacant by Dan Ashworth last December after initially being named technical director, "refuse to be exploited" and prefer a "cautious" strategy.
However, with Brentford's asking price for Mbeumo believed to be "nearer to" £70 million ($93.8 million), United's position regarding the Cameroon striker remained uncertain. This changed on Thursday afternoon with news of an enhanced third bid.
The Athletic reports that the latest offer totals £70 million, structured as £65 million guaranteed plus an additional £5 million ($6.7 million) in performance-related bonuses. United are waiting for Brentford's decision.
United's sole major signing this summer remains Cunha following the activation of the Brazilian's buyout clause last month—youngsters Diego León and Enzo Kana-Biyik have also joined, though the latter was immediately sent on loan to INEOS-affiliated Lausanne-Sport.
The Red Devils hope to secure Mbeumo before their pre-season tour of the United States begins next week, with their opening summer friendly scheduled in Sweden this weekend.
Mbeumo himself preferred to resolve his situation before Brentford's pre-season commenced, avoiding uncertainty about his future while preparing for the new season. This timeline has already elapsed in recent days.