Manchester United have been closely tracking Bryan Mbeumo throughout the month after the 25-year-old made it clear he was keen on making the move, despite competing interest from both Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United. The Cameroonian forward had an impressive campaign with Brentford last season, netting 20 Premier League goals, which quickly put him on the radar of several top-flight clubs.
Newcastle initially identified Mbeumo as a major summer target, but negotiations stalled as the player’s wage expectations and Brentford’s steep asking price became stumbling blocks. While the Magpies stepped back from talks, United maintained their interest and upped their efforts to secure the winger’s signature.
Earlier in the month, United’s offer of £45 million with an additional £10 million in add-ons was turned down by Brentford. However, fresh negotiations have brought the two clubs closer to an agreement, with reports indicating that United have now submitted a new bid that surpasses the £60 million mark. This renewed push has brought the deal significantly closer, with Mbeumo now expected to undergo a medical at Old Trafford in the coming week.
The proposed terms would see Mbeumo earn approximately £200,000 per week if the deal goes through — a figure that played a key role in Newcastle’s decision to withdraw their pursuit. With Mbeumo slipping out of reach, Newcastle have redirected their attention toward Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga, a player they have already submitted a bid for.
Forest turned down the initial offer for Elanga, who joined from Manchester United last year. Despite the rejection, Newcastle remain interested, though Forest have made it clear they aren’t keen to sell. Elanga, who notched six goals and 12 assists last season, is now valued at around £60 million by Forest. That valuation mirrors the kind of fee that caused Newcastle to retreat from the Mbeumo chase, though Elanga’s wage demands would likely be less of a burden.
Other players such as Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo, and Johan Bakayoko are also under consideration by Newcastle as they aim to bolster their right-wing options.
Meanwhile, United could benefit indirectly from Elanga’s potential transfer due to a sell-on clause they included when they sold him to Forest in 2023 for about £15 million. Any future deal would hand the Red Devils a tidy sum if completed.
Despite strong reports and advanced talks, there has been no official confirmation from Manchester United regarding Mbeumo’s signing. No squad number has been assigned, and no club announcement has been made to declare the deal as final.
It’s also worth noting that Ruben Amorim, currently managing Sporting CP, has no connection to Manchester United, and any claims linking him to confirming a United signing appear to be inaccurate or misleading.
Should the move go through, Mbeumo would be expected to compete with the likes of Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Amad Diallo, and possibly Mason Greenwood for a place on the right flank — an area of the squad that Manchester United are eager to reinforce.
