Manchester United have completed the signing of forward Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford.
Mbeumo, 25, has signed a five-year deal to June 2030 at Old Trafford, with the option of a further 12 months.
The Athletic reported on Friday that after weeks of negotiations a deal worth up to £71million ($95.5m) had been struck, comprising of an initial £65m, to be paid in four instalments, plus a maximum of £6m in bonuses.
Brentford had been looking to secure a fee that surpassed the £62.5m United paid Wolverhampton Wanderers to sign Matheus Cunha earlier this window. United’s initial proposal of £45m plus £10m in add-ons was rejected, while a second offer of £55m plus £7.5m in bonuses was also turned down.
Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and Newcastle United had previously held an interest in Mbeumo, though he wanted to join United, as first reported by The Athletic on June 2, revealing he had supported them while growing up.
“As soon as I knew there was a chance to join Manchester United, I had to take the opportunity to sign for the club of my dreams; the team whose shirt I wore growing up,” Mbeumo said.
“My mentality is to always be better than I was yesterday. I know that I have the spirit and character to reach another level here, learning from (head coach) Ruben Amorim and playing alongside world-class players
“Everybody told me about the environment that is being created here and how exciting the plans are for the future. This is a massive club, with an incredible stadium and amazing fans, we are all really determined to challenge for the biggest trophies.”
Jason Wilcox, United’s director of football, said: “Bryan’s goals and assists record in the Premier League is exceptional, his remarkable consistency has put him amongst the most productive players in England for the last three seasons.
“Bryan’s belief in our project and determination to join the club confirmed that he was the perfect fit for Manchester United and the culture that we are developing.
“We are delighted to have secured another one of our primary targets ahead of the pre-season tour. The experience in the US will be the perfect opportunity for Bryan to work with Ruben and his new team-mates as we prepare for an exciting season ahead.”
The Cameroon international is United’s third attacking signing of the summer after Cunha’s transfer from Wolves and Enzo Kana-Biyik’s arrival, though the 18-year-old will spend next season on loan at Swiss Super League side Lausanne-Sport.
Marcus Rashford, meanwhile, travelled to Barcelona on Sunday after an agreement was reached for the forward to move to the Spanish champions on a season-long loan.
Mbeumo made 242 appearances for Brentford after signing from French club Troyes in 2019, registering 70 goals and 51 assists in all competitions.
‘A proven Premier League talent’
Analysis by Jay Harris
Mbeumo has developed from a talented but frustrating winger into a consistent goal threat during his time at Brentford.
He has played in multiple positions across the front line, including as a support striker to Ivan Toney in a front two, but has produced his best performances on the right wing.
Mbeumo likes to cut inside onto his left foot to shoot or whip crosses into the box. When Thomas Frank was in charge of Brentford, he occasionally deployed Mbeumo as an aggressive right wing-back when they were losing games.
During Brentford’s first season in the Premier League, Mbeumo only scored four times from an xG of 9.5 and hit the woodwork seven times. He was guilty of being erratic and making the wrong decisions in front of goal.
Through hard work on the training ground, he has developed into an excellent finisher. During the 2023-24 season, Mbeumo scored seven goals and registered four assists in 15 games before he suffered ankle ligament damage which required surgery in a defeat to Brighton. The Cameroonian bounced back last season and scored 20 times in the league.
Mbeumo has an excellent penalty record too and has only missed one of the 12 he has taken for Brentford. He makes selfless runs for the team and works hard out of possession. His availability is another encouraging sign for United because he has only missed 16 games across four seasons in the top-flight with Brentford.
United are signing a proven Premier League talent who has worked hard for and deserves an opportunity at a bigger club. Brentford will be sad to lose him, but they have been in this position multiple times before with the departures of Christian Eriksen, Ivan Toney and David Raya. They will take comfort in the fact that Mbeumo has doubled their previous club-record sale which was set when Toney moved to Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli last year for £33.6m.
(Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images)
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