Manchester United have suffered a transfer setback in their chase for Bryan Mbuemo, as Brentford make a U-turn on the price tag after a £60 million Premier League move.
After paying the full £62.5 million release clause for Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, many fans thought that Manchester United would be moving quickly in the transfer window, unlike previous summers.
Jason Wilcox and the recruitment team immediately moved on and set their sights on Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo. The deal appeared to be in doubt when Thomas Frank joined Tottenham Hotspur, but it was then confirmed that Mbeumo only wants to join United if he is to leave the Bees.
However, despite this news coming almost a month ago, Mbeumo is yet to join United, with the clubs still attempting to agree on a price tag for the Cameroonian after his impressive Premier League campaign last season.
The left-footer started all 38 games for Brentford last season, scoring 20 goals and registering seven assists, playing as a right winger and as a striker. Along with Cunha, he could help return United to the top half of the table as Rúben Amorim looks to improve the team.
Brentford’s price tag U-turn
As reported by the iNews, United have stalled over a deal for Mbeumo due to other moves made in the Premier League, including Anthony Elanga’s potential transfer to Newcastle United.
Brentford initially wanted a fee similar to what United paid for Cunha, but the Red Devils have since submitted a bid worth more than the £62.5 million they paid for the Brazilian, which has been rejected.
Since the first meeting between United and Brentford, Joao Pedro, who scored 10 goals and registered six assists, has moved to Chelsea for £60 million. Former United player Elanga also looks set for a move, with Newcastle close to signing the Swedish international for £55 million.
As such, Brentford are now demanding a higher fee for Mbeumo, as they believe “he is worth significantly more” than Elanga and Pedro, hence why the deal has now stalled.
Fabrizio Romano issued a positive update earlier this week, stating that United are still pushing for the signing. However, a deal for Mbeumo appears to be harder to achieve than it was when United first expressed their interest.
Poor preparation heading into next season
Next season will be Amorim’s first full season in charge of the Red Devils since his move from Sporting CP, meaning pre-season is crucial to the outcome of the upcoming campaign.
Like Erik ten Hag’s first summer, it appears that United are willing to spend big on the manager, but most transfers won’t be completed until during or even after pre-season.
As it stands, Cunha will be the only definitive first-team signing to join the club before the first pre-season fixture against Leeds United on 19 July.
Diego Leon could also join Amorim’s senior squad for pre-season, but the 18-year-old will likely spend the majority of next season in the under-21s, settling into life in Manchester, as Sekou Kone did last season.
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