DEAL AGREED: Manchester United agree terms with South American tricky winger who been compared to Lamine Yamal and has outscored Kylian Mbappe this season
Brentford manager Thomas Frank has already warned Manchester United that any deal to sign Bryan Mbeumo this summer will not be cheap.
Mbeumo is coming off a stunning season for the Bees, scoring 20 Premier League goals, weighing in with a further seven assists, and has reportedly revealed his preference of club were he to depart.
Whilst Arsenal are known admirers, as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his attacking options, Newcastle have also been touted as a potential destination for the Cameroon international as Eddie Howe aims to ease the burden on star striker Alexander Isak.
Although both clubs as well as Tottenham – another reported interested suitor – can offer Mbeumo Champions League football next season, he favours a move to Old Trafford if a deal can be agreed.
According to the Athletic, Mbeumo has decided he wants to join Man Utd who are now expected to open talks with Brentford in bid to sign forward this summer.
This development will not come as a shock to Frank as he is expecting bids for Mbeumo, but he has also said an exit will only come with a high price.
“It is clear that if he is to be sold, it must be for a nice, nice amount,” Frank said of Mbeumo to Viaplay. “It is a lot. Mucho. Really a lot.
“Then it is clear that it is impossible to replace him one for one. It cannot be done. There is a reason why he costs x number of million pounds, and we do not have x number of million pounds to buy for.
“I would say that I would be surprised if a lot of big clubs don’t look at him. I would be surprised with what he has to offer.
“How many wingers score 20 goals for a mid-table club? And then with seven assists plus his work ethic. And his character. All these things mean that he has a lot, so he is a good player.”
Brentford to drive hard bargain for Bryan Mbeumo after Man Utd links
Brentford may ask for a higher fee for Bryan Mbeumo after claims that he has decided to join Manchester United.
The Premier League club have had no contact with United over Mbeumo and have, as yet, not even quoted a transfer value to potential suitors for the 25-year-old forward.
There is therefore irritation at Brentford as to how the potential deal is now apparently being played out in public. One source said it would “all look a bit silly” for United if a fee was not agreed after the latest reports.
Mbeumo has one year left on his contract at Brentford, although it includes an option for the club to extend for a further 12 months.
Thomas Frank, the head coach, has already spoken about the possibility of the France-born Cameroon international leaving this summer – but later qualified this by saying it would take “a nice, nice amount, it is a lot” to sign Mbeumo.
Despite his apparent desire to join United, Brentford also know there are other clubs interested in Mbeumo. That includes Newcastle United, who have been scouting him for several years and can offer Champions League football.
There is a belief that it would cost about £60 million to sign Mbeumo, which might be too much for Newcastle. Brentford are known as tough negotiators when it comes to player sales, and there is no release clause in his contract.
Last season was Mbeumo’s most productive since joining from French club Troyes in 2019, with 20 league goals and seven assists as he stepped up following the sale of Ivan Toney and helped lead Brentford to a 10th-place finish.
Part of his attraction, beyond his goals return, is his versatility, as Mbeumo can play anywhere across the forward line. If Brentford do eventually sell Mbeumo, they will not allow another forward, Yoane Wissa, to leave, even though they expect offers for the 28-year-old Frenchman.
Meanwhile, sources close to Aleksandar Mitrovic have ruled out reports that he could leave Al-Hilal and join United, either permanently or on loan, this summer. They insist the Serbia striker will remain with the Saudi Pro League club, who are trying to sign United captain Bruno Fernandes in time for this month’s Club World Cup. A decision is expected this week.
