Bryan Mbeumo’s long-anticipated move to Manchester United is now in serious doubt, as Brentford remain firm in their valuation of the forward and are unwilling to sanction a cut-price sale.
Despite weeks of talks, United and Brentford remain far apart in negotiations. The Red Devils have offered £55 million plus £7.5 million in performance-based add-ons. Brentford, however, are holding out for at least £65 million – with most of that fee paid up front.
That gap may prove too wide to bridge.
“We’ve had discussions, but the deal has to be right for Brentford,” said Phil Giles, the club’s sporting director. “Bryan is happy here and ready to continue if it doesn’t happen.”
Mbeumo, who scored 20 Premier League goals last season, has reportedly agreed personal terms with United. But without club-to-club agreement, the transfer has stalled -and increasingly, it seems Brentford will not sell.
Their reasoning is clear. The West London club is also fielding offers for Yoane Wissa, who scored 19 goals last season and is wanted by Tottenham, Newcastle and Nottingham Forest. Brentford’s position is that only one of the two may leave -if at all.
“Selling both would be too big a blow, especially after losing our manager and captain this summer,” said a source close to the club.
Indeed, Brentford have already watched head coach Thomas Frank depart for Tottenham, and club captain Christian Nørgaard join Arsenal. Letting both Mbeumo and Wissa go in the same window would trigger a near-total attacking rebuild — something the club is not prepared for.
Wissa, valued at over £40 million, saw a recent offer from Nottingham Forest rejected. With multiple clubs now circling, Brentford are bracing for more bids. But whichever forward leaves, the other is expected to stay.
Mbeumo, who joined from French side Troyes in 2019 for just over £4 million, returned to pre-season training on Monday alongside Wissa. Both have one year remaining on their contracts, with the club holding an option to extend by another year.
With United’s focus now possibly shifting elsewhere, and Brentford standing firm, Mbeumo may yet remain in red – just not the red of Manchester United.
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