Manchester United are reportedly on the verge of completing the signing of Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo, although no official confirmation has been released by the club at this stage.
Contrary to sensational headlines suggesting the deal is “done” and that the player has been assigned a “legendary squad number,” current reliable sources indicate that negotiations are still ongoing, albeit at an advanced stage.
United have been targeting Mbeumo throughout the early weeks of the summer transfer window, with the 25-year-old Cameroon international believed to have prioritized a move to Old Trafford.
While other Premier League clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United also showed interest, United are the frontrunners thanks to sustained talks and an improved offer that aligns with Brentford’s valuation.
The initial bid from United, reported to be £45 million plus £10 million in add-ons, was rejected by Brentford earlier in the window.
However, United have since returned with an increased offer exceeding £60 million, which appears to have opened the door for further progress.
According to talkSPORT, the Red Devils are now close to securing the transfer, and Mbeumo is expected to undergo a medical next week in Manchester.
If the deal goes through, Mbeumo will become United’s second marquee signing of the summer, following the £62.5 million acquisition of Matheus Cunha from Wolves.
Mbeumo’s anticipated weekly wage—estimated at around £200,000—was reportedly one of the main reasons Newcastle backed out of the race, shifting their attention to other targets.
Newcastle, after cooling interest in Mbeumo due to financial constraints, have since turned their focus toward Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga, a player they previously sold to Forest in 2023.
United reportedly have a sell-on clause for Elanga, meaning they stand to profit if Newcastle and Forest eventually reach an agreement.
Forest, however, are said to value Elanga at £60 million, which could once again be a sticking point for Newcastle’s budget.
Other players linked as potential alternatives for Newcastle include Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo, and Johan Bakayoko, as they prioritize signing a right-sided attacker during this window.
Meanwhile, there has been some misinformation circulating online regarding Rúben Amorim—the current manager of Sporting CP—being involved in United’s transfer activity.
There is no official link between Amorim and Manchester United, and any suggestion that he has confirmed a fourth signing for the Red Devils is entirely unfounded.
As for Mbeumo, while the transfer looks increasingly likely to happen, there has been no confirmation of a completed medical, final contract signing, or shirt number assignment.
Until United release an official club statement, fans should view the deal as “close” rather than concluded.
If signed, Mbeumo would bolster United’s right wing—a position the club has been keen to reinforce.
He would provide competition for the likes of Antony, Amad Diallo, Alejandro Garnacho, and possibly Mason Greenwood (if he remains at the club).
