Cards on the table in Bryan Mbeumo transfer: Brentford stand firm as star eyes Manchester United

Manchester United emerge as Mbeumo’s preferred destination

Bryan Mbeumo’s preference is now clear: he wants a move to Manchester United. However, the club’s board finds the current offers unsatisfactory. Speaking to both BBC Sport and Sky Sports News, sporting director Phil Giles stressed that the player could still remain at the club, while ESPN and The Athletic clearly highlighted Mbeumo’s preference.

Having become one of Manchester United’s key summer targets, Mbeumo’s potential transfer looks anything but easy based on Brentford’s statements.

Sporting director Phil Giles explained the situation in interviews with both BBC Sport and Sky Sports News.

In his statement to BBC Sport, Giles underlined that the player staying at the club is still a strong possibility:

"It’s still possible for him to be a Brentford player next season. If we decide he should stay, we’ll move in that direction. If there’s no suitable offer, why should we make the transfer? Bryan is arguably our best player. We have no problem keeping our best players."

He described the current stage of the process to Sky Sports News as follows:

"I wouldn’t say there’s been a great deal of progress."

He also made a telling comment about the player’s preference:

"There is significant interest in Bryan. His current preference has been well publicised."

Although no club was explicitly named, it confirms the club are fully aware that Mbeumo has prioritised a move to Manchester United.

Both ESPN and The Athletic confirmed this preference. According to ESPN, despite interest from Arsenal and Newcastle United, Mbeumo is more eager to join Manchester United. He has directly conveyed this to Brentford, which in turn has prompted United to act with greater resolve. The Athletic also reported that the player "wants to join Manchester United rather than other big clubs in the Premier League."

Brentford stand firm despite growing pressure

According to Sky Sports, Manchester United have submitted two official bids to Brentford so far. The first was around £55 million; the second reached a total of £62.5 million. However, Brentford deemed both offers insufficient. ESPN corroborated this and wrote that the club expects a higher and structurally convincing proposal.

Brentford’s new manager Keith Andrews emphasised the importance of keeping players like Mbeumo despite a major overhaul in the squad:

"My goal is always to work with the most talented players. I understand the nature of football and our club’s approach to transfers. But as a manager, I want the best players on the pitch."

Mbeumo’s breakout season and technical profile

25-year-old Bryan Mbeumo impressed during the 2024/25 Premier League season. He recorded 20 goals and 7 assists across 32 matches, becoming one of the league’s standout attacking players due to both his goal output and his involvement in build-up play.

In terms of player profile, Mbeumo stands out for his agility and explosive runs. He’s effective in tight spaces, skilled at beating defenders one-on-one, and presents a constant threat in the final third. His off-the-ball runs and positioning frequently disrupt opposing defences. Over the past year, he has improved significantly in ball retention, composure in decision-making, and combination play around the penalty area.

A modern attacker with defensive discipline

In addition, his work ethic and adaptability to various systems place him among the modern game’s most versatile attackers. He sometimes pulls wide to offer width as a reliable passing option, occasionally drifts into central areas to create overloads, and drops deep when needed to support attacking transitions. These attributes make him a valuable asset for coaches seeking tactical flexibility.

Particularly effective as a right winger and inside forward, Mbeumo provides both width and depth in attack. His shot selection has matured: low-driven finishes to the corner, tight-angle attempts, and instinctive one-touch shots are now hallmarks of his game, frequently testing goalkeepers.

He also contributes defensively. His smart pressing and well-timed challenges in counter-press situations are notable. His ability to combine direct play with disciplined positioning elevates him beyond a simple finisher—he’s a tactically astute, multi-dimensional forward.

Now entering the prime of his career, Mbeumo is no longer just a "potential" talent; he is recognised as a proven, elite-level player in the Premier League. His 2024/25 performance clearly demonstrates that he’s ready for a higher level of competition.

What the transfer means for both clubs

For Manchester United, signing Bryan Mbeumo is not just about filling a positional need; it could represent a deliberate shift in their attacking strategy. The club has struggled with consistency on the wings in recent years—while there have been flashes of contribution, sustained impact has been elusive. Mbeumo, with his scoring ability and compatibility with team play, offers a profile that could help address this imbalance. His off-the-ball movement, link-up play near the box, and quick decision-making could enhance the team’s attacking transitions. Furthermore, his defensive commitment would allow him to fit seamlessly into a collective game model. In this regard, his style aligns closely with Amorim’s preference for working with versatile attackers.

This transfer isn’t just about losing a key player; it could be a major test of the club’s long-standing strategic model. Previously, Brentford have sold important players like Ivan Toney, David Raya and Said Benrahma for significant fees and replaced them smartly. But Mbeumo holds a unique status not just for his scoring but also for his leadership within the team. His departure could directly alter the dynamics on the pitch and affect the dressing room atmosphere. That’s why the Brentford board is weighing not just the financial side of offers but also their timing. How new manager Keith Andrews handles this situation will be one of the key factors determining both the outcome of this transfer and the club’s trajectory this season.