Transfer journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed what Manchester United are now discussing with Brentford regarding the pending move of winger Bryan Mbeumo to Old Trafford.
Manchester United are closing in on their second signing of the summer, with a deal for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo nearing completion.
Rúben Amorim is keen to add more firepower to his attack following the arrival of Matheus Cunha earlier this month, though negotiations for Mbeumo have been far from straightforward.
United’s initial £55 million bid for the 25-year-old was rejected at the start of June, but the club returned earlier this week with an improved offer worth over £60 million, which they hope will be accepted.
Once Mbeumo joins Cunha at Old Trafford, United will look to push through several player departures and continue their pursuit of a new striker and midfielder ahead of the Premier League’s return in mid-August.
What United and Brentford are now discussing
If and when Mbeumo’s move to United is completed, this will signify that United have spent nearly the entirety of their pre-approved summer transfer kitty, with the remainder of the transfer funds having to come from sales.
United’s deal with Cunha was completed quickly, although there was a momentary sticking point regarding the payment terms. United wanted to pay the fee in five instalments, but eventually settled to Wolves’ demand of paying in three.
According to transfer journalist Ben Jacobs, a similar topic of conversation is now ongoing between Brentford and United, with Amorim’s club possibly needing to pay a slightly higher fee if they want the payments to take place over five instalments. However, the deal is still expected to be completed.
“This will be a similar situation [to the Cunha deal, I suspect,” Jacobs told The United Stand on YouTube.
“If Manchester United wanted to pay in five, they might have to go £65-67 million. If they’re prepared to do it in four or three, it might be close to £62.5 million. And I’m sure that that’s the kind of thing the clubs are discussing.
“And we wait and see whether this bid is accepted. But even if it isn’t, it’s likely to be close. And there is now an expectation and an optimism on Manchester United’s side that this deal can and will get done.”
Mbeumo’s transfer fits perfectly within United’s plan
There have been reports circulating that Mbeumo will be handed a contract of around £250,000 a week at United, although it has subsequently been explained that his base wage is more likely to sit at around £150,000 a week instead.
Jacobs went on to confirm that although Mbeumo will likely be a top-ten earner at United, he will not be on any sort of wage that would cause a problem within the squad.
“His wage will fit into Manchester United’s structure,” Jacobs continued. “We hear some reports that Mbumo wants 250,000 plus bonuses, even higher than that. That’s not my understanding.
“I think the player would very much be a top 10 earner at the club and a similar kind of wage to Cunha, but not necessarily significantly more.”
Furthermore, Jacobs clarified that United want Mbeumo at the club for when pre-season training commences on 7 July, which sets a deadline for when Amorim wants the deal completed.
“They want him to be there for when pre-season starts, which means that this should be a big week in terms of giving clarity,” Jacobs concluded.
Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is streamed live every Thursday at 12:30 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.