Manchester United have signed forward, Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford in a £71m transfer.
Mbeumo’s move came with just one year left on his current contract at Brentford, having produced 20 goals and eight assists in his strongest campaign yet as the Bees finished tenth in the Premier League last season.
Utd initially tried to sign the Cameroon international for a lower fee but saw multiple bids rejected as the Bees hung out for £70m valuation, but the Red Devils were spooked into paying £71m amidst reports that Brentford could of sold Yoane Wissa to Newcastle instead and retained Mbeumo.
Liverpool and Tottenham also were reportedly interested with the latter now under a new manager in Thomas Frank, with the Dane having been Mbeumo’s manager throughout his time at Brentford and apparently was keen to bring the forward to North London.
Utd nevertheless have agreed a fixed fee of £65m plus a further £6m in add-ons, of which would be paid across four separate instalments, with Mbeumo having accepted a five-year contract until June 2030 albeit with option to extend for a further year until June 2031.
Upon confirmation of his move which will see him wear the number 19 shirt, Mbeumo spoke of his pride at joining his boyhood club and is keen to be part of a new era at Old Trafford under Ruben Amorim.
“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.
“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 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.”
Utd’s Director of Football, Jason Wilcox added: “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.”
Mbeumo began his career within the youth setups at CO Avallonals, Bourgoin-Jallieu then Troyes where he graduated into their senior team and produced 12 goals in 46 appearances between February 2018 – August 2019.
The 25-year-old has since spent the last six seasons at Brentford as an integral first-team player and was part of their 2020-21 promotion-winning squad, as the Bees defeated Swansea in the Championship Play-Off Final to secure Premier League football for the first time in their history.
“On behalf of everyone at Brentford, I would like to wish Bryan all the best for the future and thank him for his fantastic efforts over six seasons with us,” commented Brentford’s Director of Football, Phil Giles as he reflected on Mbeumo’s journey with the Bees.
“Bryan came to us as a teenager, and it has been an absolute pleasure for all of us here to watch him develop as a player and a person. Our fans have loved him, and he has been a part of some of our greatest days.
“There is always a right time for a player to move on and, for Bryan, that time is now. He has the opportunity to go to one of the biggest clubs in the world, and we are very happy for him.
“Bryan will always be welcome back at the Gtech. We look forward to seeing him in September and whenever our paths cross in the future.”
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