Manchester United have finally done it. After six weeks of back-and-forth with Brentford, they’ve secured one of the Premier League’s most explosive forwards Bryan Mbeumo in a deal worth up to £71 million. £65m is the upfront fee, with a further £6m in performance-based add-ons.
Let that sink in. The man who scored 20 league goals last season for a mid-table Brentford side is now heading to Old Trafford. It’s the kind of signing that signals intent.
Ruben Amorim clearly had Mbeumo high on his list the versatility, the engine, the eye for goal. United’s persistence paid off, even with Spurs and Thomas Frank sniffing around. But Mbeumo made it clear: he wanted United.
He becomes the third big signing of the summer, following Matheus Cunha from Wolves (£62.5m) and full-back Diego León. Amorim looks set to unleash him in a dual No.10 role in his 3-4-3 system imagine Mbeumo ghosting into the half-spaces, linking with Cunha and Bruno… it’s a frightening prospect.
United fans won’t have to wait long to see him in red either he’s joining the pre-season US tour next week, giving him time to bed in and absorb Amorim’s pressing patterns and tactical detail.
And just think about the journey from Troyes to the Championship, to Brentford’s Premier League ascent, to now being a £70m Manchester United player. For Brentford, it’s a staggering return on their initial £5.8m investment.
There’s a lot going on at Old Trafford. Alongside new signings, the club are also expecting to offload players like Rashford, Sancho, Garnacho, Antony, and Malacia who’ve all been granted time to explore exits. Clearly, Amorim is reshaping this squad for something very different.
If you’re wondering what slowed the deal initially and how it eventually broke through, here’s a breakdown of the twists and near roadblocks United had to navigate: Man United’s Mbeumo Move Hits £70m Roadblock – What’s Next?
This is a statement not just a signing. Mbeumo’s arrival feels massive. The season can’t come soon enough.
