Manchester United’s pursuit of Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo is still very much ongoing, but fans eager for an official confirmation might have to be patient a little longer — and according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the delay has nothing to do with Manchester United’s actions.
Romano has provided fresh insight into the reasons behind the holdup, making it clear that the deal is still alive and progressing, but that issues on Brentford’s side are slowing things down.
United, who are aiming to make Mbeumo their third signing of the summer following the arrivals of Matheus Cunha and young talent Diego Leon, have already submitted two official offers for the 25-year-old.
The first bid was worth £55 million, and the second included an additional £7.5 million in performance-related bonuses. However, both bids were rejected by Brentford.
Despite growing impatience among fans, Fabrizio Romano has clarified through his GiveMeSport newsletter that Manchester United are not dragging their feet. Instead, it’s Brentford who are responsible for the delay.
Romano explained that Brentford have been tied up with several other transfer matters and squad decisions in recent days, which has made it difficult for them to fully commit to negotiating Mbeumo’s potential exit.
Among the deals Brentford are currently managing are rejecting a bid from Nottingham Forest for Yoane Wissa, finalising Christian Nørgaard’s transfer to Arsenal, and preparing for the official unveiling of former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, who is set to join them after his short stint at Ajax.
These ongoing negotiations have taken priority for Brentford, temporarily pushing the Mbeumo discussions down the list.
Romano also stressed that Manchester United still believe the transfer will be completed in time for their pre-season tour of the United States later this month.
The club is expected to return with a third — and likely final — offer that could help break the deadlock and push the deal across the line.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that Bryan Mbeumo himself is growing restless as the situation continues to drag on.
The winger is due to return to Brentford’s training ground next week, and his presence could help accelerate discussions.
The player is believed to be eager to make the switch to Old Trafford and take his career to the next level under new boss Rúben Amorim.
Manchester United are determined to sign Mbeumo as a key piece of Amorim’s new-look attacking line, potentially forming a dangerous front three alongside Matheus Cunha and Joshua Zirkzee.
The club wants the deal done before pre-season matches begin so that Mbeumo has time to settle in and build chemistry with the squad ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
While the Mbeumo transfer may seem delayed, it remains firmly in motion — and United are working behind the scenes to ensure it gets done. The ball is currently in Brentford’s court.
