Manchester United’s Bryan Mbeumo Transfer Hit by Brentford Payment Snag as Tottenham Make Their Move

Manchester United’s pursuit of Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo has encountered a significant hurdle, as the West London club insists on a full upfront payment rather than staggered instalments, a condition that could reshape the summer transfer race. 

The Red Devils, who remain eager to bolster their attacking options, initially tabled a bid worth £45 million plus £10 million in add-ons, but Brentford swiftly turned it down. 

 According to the Evening Standard, Brentford have made it clear that they will not accept payments over multiple years, a common practice United hoped to exploit as they manage strict financial fair play (FFP) regulations. 

Adding to United’s headache is Tottenham Hotspur, now in the mix following the appointment of Thomas Frank, the very manager who brought Mbeumo to Brentford in 2019.  

Spurs, fresh from their Europa League final victory over United, can now offer Champions League football, which could tempt the Cameroonian forward despite his reported preference for a move to Old Trafford. 

Bryan Mbeumo is fresh off his most prolific campaign yet, having netted 20 goals for Brentford in all competitions. His outstanding form has naturally attracted top-tier interest, making him one of the hottest prospects on the market this summer. 

Brentford are seeking a deal close to the £62.5 million United recently paid Wolves for Matheus Cunha. That deal itself was contentious, with United initially offering to spread payments over five years before compromising to three instalments across two seasons. 

Tottenham’s involvement significantly complicates United’s plans. Frank’s close relationship with Mbeumo and Spurs’ immediate Champions League appeal make them strong contenders. Additionally, Spurs have also identified Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth as a backup target, but their pursuit of Mbeumo appears serious. 

Brentford, for their part, are encouraging a bidding war, hoping to extract the maximum value from a player who joined them as a teenager when they were still in the Championship. Since then, Mbeumo has played a vital role in the club’s rise and survival in the Premier League, further elevating his market value. 

New manager Ruben Amorim has his hands full this summer, aiming to address several weak spots in the squad.  

So far, Matheus Cunha is the only high-profile signing. Liam Delap, another target, snubbed United in favor of Chelsea, while Viktor Gyökeres, who worked under Amorim at Sporting Lisbon, remains a potential option. 

As the summer window unfolds, United will need to act decisively if they wish to beat Spurs to Mbeumo’s signature. But unless they can meet Brentford’s upfront fee demands, their chances of securing the prolific forward may be slipping away.