Manchester United are advancing in their pursuit of Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo, with reports indicating a verbal agreement on personal terms has been reached between the player and the club. The Red Devils are now preparing to enter formal negotiations with Brentford, who have set a £50 million valuation for their star attacker.

Transfer Developments

According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Manchester United have secured a verbal agreement with Mbeumo on personal terms, marking a significant step forward in their transfer plans. The 25-year-old Cameroon international has reportedly chosen United despite interest from several Premier League rivals who can offer Champions League football next season.

“Manchester United want to start negotiations with Brentford shortly in order to finalise the deal for Bryan Mbeumo,” Plettenberg stated. “The player has already given his approval. Verbal agreement is done.”

This development comes shortly after United completed the signing of Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers for £62.5 million, signaling the club’s intent to strengthen their attacking options under new manager Ruben Amorim.

Competing Interests

What makes Mbeumo’s decision particularly noteworthy is his apparent willingness to join Manchester United despite the club’s failure to qualify for European competition next season. Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and Newcastle United, all of whom will participate in the Champions League, had expressed interest in the forward.

David Ornstein of The Athletic confirmed on Monday that Mbeumo has prioritized a move to Old Trafford over these alternatives, demonstrating the enduring appeal of Manchester United despite their recent struggles.

Ben Jacobs reported on social media: “Bryan Mbeumo is giving priority to Manchester United. A formal bid is expected to follow soon with Brentford seeking around £50m. As reported, European football next season not a dealbreaker. Mbeumo sold on the Man Utd project following talks in May.”

Brentford’s Position

Brentford find themselves in a strong negotiating position despite Mbeumo entering the final year of his contract. The club holds a one-year extension option, effectively giving them control over the player’s future for the next two seasons.

This contractual situation has allowed Brentford to maintain their £50 million valuation, with some reports suggesting the fee could rise to as much as £60 million. The club is under no financial pressure to sell, but there is an understanding that Mbeumo has earned the opportunity to move to a bigger club if his valuation is met.

Thomas Frank, Brentford’s manager, has previously indicated that any deal for Mbeumo would not come cheaply, reflecting the player’s importance to the team and his impressive Premier League record.

Player Profile

Mbeumo has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most effective forwards in recent seasons. Since joining Brentford from Troyes in 2019, he has scored 70 goals in 242 appearances across all competitions.

The 2024-25 season has been particularly productive for Mbeumo, with the forward netting 20 goals in the Premier League, catching the attention of several top clubs including Manchester United.

His versatility, pace, and finishing ability make him an attractive option for Ruben Amorim’s system at United, particularly with questions surrounding the futures of current attacking players Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes.

Next Steps

Manchester United are expected to submit a formal bid to Brentford in the coming days, with the club optimistic about completing the transfer. If successful, Mbeumo would become United’s second major attacking signing of the summer following Matheus Cunha.

The transfer window remains active, with United looking to act quickly to give Amorim sufficient time to work with his new squad ahead of the 2025-26 season. The club’s ability to attract players of Mbeumo’s caliber, despite the absence of European football, suggests that the new managerial project is generating excitement among potential recruits.

As negotiations progress, all eyes will be on whether United can meet Brentford’s valuation and secure a player who has proven his worth in the Premier League over several seasons.