Manchester United make second move for Bryan Mbeumo as Brentford raise valuation to £70 million

Manchester United are still pursuing Bryan Mbeumo to bolster their attacking options. Following the rejection of their first offer for the Cameroonian star, the club has submitted a second, more substantial bid to Brentford. However, Brentford's expectations have also escalated.

According to ESPN, Manchester United initially made an offer in the range of £50–55 million for Bryan Mbeumo, but this was deemed insufficient by Brentford's management and subsequently rejected. The same source indicates that the club has now increased their offer to over £60 million, with the new bid officially submitted.

However, a development reported by Fabrizio Romano has altered the course of the transfer saga. Brentford are now demanding up to £70 million for Mbeumo. This figure is based on a new valuation approach, referencing the £62.5 million fee United paid for Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton in recent months.

Mbeumo's Premier League performance raises expectations

The 25-year-old Bryan Mbeumo delivered an impressive contribution in the 2024/25 Premier League season, scoring 20 goals and providing 7 assists in 32 matches. His dual role in both scoring and playmaking has made him one of the most notable attackers in the Premier League.

Technically, Mbeumo is known for his agility and explosive runs. He is effective in tight spaces, capable of beating defenders one-on-one, making him a constant threat in attack. Off the ball, his runs and spatial awareness consistently pressure opposing defenses. Over the past year, he has shown significant improvement in ball retention, composure in decision-making, and link-up play around the penalty area.

According to reports from ESPN and The Athletic, Mbeumo has shown more interest in joining Manchester United compared to other clubs, despite interest from Arsenal and Newcastle United. He is reported to have conveyed this preference directly to Brentford’s management, which has encouraged United to take more decisive steps.

Mbeumo seen as a system complement, not a central striker for United

ESPN reports that Manchester United plan to sign a traditional number 9 striker before the end of the summer transfer window, even if the Mbeumo deal goes through. This suggests that the Cameroonian player is not being considered for the central striker role. Considering manager Ruben Amorim's previous use of players like Francisco Trincão at Sporting, who operated from wide positions into central areas, Mbeumo could be viewed as a similar system-enhancing component.

In this context, Mbeumo's transfer is not just a rotation move but also part of Amorim's plan to build a flexible and versatile attacking structure.

Transfer hurdle: Financial balance and squad space

To finalize Mbeumo's transfer, Manchester United need to offload some players. The most prominent name in this regard is Rasmus Højlund.

According to information from Gazzetta dello Sport and Calciomercato, Italian clubs Inter, Juventus, and Napoli have shown strong interest in acquiring the Danish striker. However, it is reported that official offers have not yet been submitted, with most interest currently focused on potential loan arrangements. Manchester United prefer to sell Højlund outright and use the proceeds to fund the Mbeumo transfer.

If United can secure a permanent transfer for Højlund, the Mbeumo deal could be completed more swiftly.

The Mbeumo transfer aligns with INEOS strategy

This transfer is not just about acquiring an effective player; it also reflects Manchester United's new strategic direction under INEOS. The process intertwines financial planning, player sales, negotiation leverage, and system compatibility, testing the club's determination in their summer planning.