Some shocking fresh details have emerged of how Brentford conducted themselves during talks with Manchester United for Bryan Mbeumo.
United finally announce Mbeumo’s arrival
After weeks of protracted club-to-club talks, United have finally announced that Mbeumo has sealed his transfer to Old Trafford.
After wrapping up a deal to sign Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, United quickly turned their attention towards signing Mbeumo. The Red Devils then lodged an opening bid for him, which was worth a total £55m. This was swiftly turned down by Brentford.
Brentford let it be known that they were seeking a sum closer to the £62.5m that the Red Devils forked out to secure Cunha’s services.
United tabled a second proposal, which valued Mbeumo in excess of £60m. There was hope that this offer would be accepted but in a shocking twist, Brentford rebuffed it and hiked Mbeumo’s asking price to £70m.
Negotiations remained deadlocked for weeks as United remained adamant that they would not be drawn into exceeding their valuation of the Cameroonian.
However, late last week, it came out that Amorim’s side sent in a third bid worth £65m plus £6m in add-ons. This was eventually accepted by the Bees, as Mbeumo made it crystal clear that he wanted to leave and join United.
He had his medical over the weekend and on Monday evening, United announced his signing.
United confirmed that the 25-year-old has signed a five-year contract with the option of extending his stay by an additional 12 months.
Brentford’s antics come to light
Now, it has emerged that Brentford repeatedly made attempts to scupper United’s pursuit of Mbeumo.
Not only did they increase his price during talks, but it’s believed they tried to put pressure on him to snub United and move to the likes of Newcastle and Tottenham Hotspur instead.
ESPN’s Rob Dawson reveals, “Fair to say that Man United aren’t thrilled with how Brentford handled the Mbeumo negotiation.”
“View is that their valuation changed repeatedly and at one point it was as high as £70m + £7m.”
“Also believe Brentford wanted Mbeumo to reject United in favour of Newcastle or Spurs.”
Fair to say that Man United aren’t thrilled with how Brentford handled the Mbeumo negotiation. View is that their valuation changed repeatedly and at one point it was as high as £70m + £7m. Also believe Brentford wanted Mbeumo to reject United in favour of Newcastle or Spurs.
— Rob Dawson (@RobDawsonESPN) July 21, 2025
This information has been corroborated by the Daily Mail’s Chris Wheeler, who adds that Chelsea attempted a late hijack, but it failed.
🔴 Utd sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford for £71m
⚫️ £65m fee & £6m in adds
🔴 Signs 5yr contract with 12-month option
⚫️ Utd said to be unhappy that Brentford dragged out talks and changed valuation
🔴 Rival interest from Spurs, Arsenal & Newcastle and late bid from Chelsea #mufc— Chris Wheeler (@ChrisWheelerDM) July 21, 2025
The Mirror note that Brentford felt United agreed to pay Mbeumo high wages to blow rivals out of the water for his signature. The 20-time English champions then started negotiations at a low fee.
New Tottenham boss Thomas Frank knew what Brentford wanted for Mbeumo and the North London club was prepared to pay more than United, but Mbeumo was only interested in joining the Old Trafford outfit.
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
