Manchester United Reject Two Striker Targets as Bryan Mbeumo Emerges as Top Choice
Manchester United have reportedly turned down an opportunity to sign Jhon Durán and have reduced their pursuit of Hugo Ekitiké as they shift focus toward more affordable striker options following their anticipated acquisition of Bryan Mbeumo.
Phil Giles, Brentford's sporting director, attempted to minimize speculation about United's imminent chase for Mbeumo. "There remains a possibility he continues as a Brentford player for the upcoming season," Giles emphasized.
The transfer executive essentially acknowledged that Mbeumo desires a switch to Manchester United—"his preferred destination has been widely reported"—and Fabrizio Romano indicates that Ruben Amorim's team remains "optimistic" about completing the transaction.
The anticipated transfer fee is projected to reach approximately £62.5 million ($85.1 million). This amount matches the investment made for Matheus Cunha's transfer from Wolverhampton Wanderers during the current summer window, pushing United beyond their rumored £100 million ($137.1 million) transfer allocation.
Financial recovery could come through player departures. United possess several individuals who might benefit from leaving Old Trafford, though securing appropriate valuations for certain players has presented difficulties recently.
United's acquisition strategy has been influenced by these financial constraints. Romano suggests that Amorim's squad has definitively dismissed pursuing Eintracht Frankfurt's Ekitiké while they maintain their €100 million (£85.7 million, $117.6 million) valuation. Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea are all monitoring the imposing forward, yet none seem prepared to meet such an excessive price tag.
The identical source indicates that United "declined" an opportunity to acquire Al Nassr's departing striker Durán through a loan arrangement that would have required the Premier League club to shoulder his substantial wages. Following concerns about the "instability" at Cristiano Ronaldo's current team, the former Aston Villa attacker is expected to reunite with previous Manchester United boss José Mourinho at Fenerbahçe.
Having abandoned their Ekitiké and Durán pursuits, United are reportedly exploring "alternative valuations" for a striker and refuse to engage in "excessive spending."
Fiorentina's attacking player Moise Kean reportedly possesses a contract featuring a release clause valued at a reasonable £44.6 million ($61.1 million), while Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins could be obtainable for an even lower price. United are allegedly already engaged in negotiations with the England striker.