Manchester United are set to face a problem involving Matheus Cunha for the second time this summer, despite an agreement for Bryan Mbeumo coming close.
Manchester United are in ongoing negotiations for their second signing of the summer, with a deal for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo edging closer.
After bringing in Matheus Cunha earlier this month, Rúben Amorim is keen to further bolster his attacking options. However, talks with Brentford over Mbeumo have been slow to progress.
United’s initial £55 million bid was rejected in early June, and a follow-up offer of the same base fee plus £7.5 million in add-ons has also been turned down.
Despite the setbacks, there is growing confidence that an agreement will be reached. Once Mbeumo completes his move to Old Trafford, United will shift focus to player sales and continue pursuing a striker and a midfielder ahead of the Premier League’s return in mid-August.
Cunha’s transfer is setting a precedent
United’s deal for Cunha was finalised on the opening day of the summer transfer window, with the club announcing on 1 June that they had reached an agreement with Wolverhampton Wanderers for his transfer.
His official announcement followed two weeks later after the club finalised his work visa and registration with the Premier League.
However, with this £62.5 million deal having been secured so early in the window, it is now being used as a benchmark by other clubs, with United suffering from this issue, as Brentford informed Amorim’s side that they are using Cunha’s fee as a reference point for Mbeumo’s value.
Brentford are said to see Mbeumo as the same value as Cunha and are demanding a £65 million package for the player. United are set to head back into negotiations with a third bid that hands Brentford a more favourable payment structure.
Cunha now being used to value Gyökeres
United are said to be paying close attention to the unfolding saga of Viktor Gyökeres this summer, although they have not yet made a move for the player as they are waiting to see if he secures a move to Arsenal.
The Swede’s transfer window has so far been a complete mess, as his agent has been embroiled in a public spat with Sporting CP’s president, Frederico Varanda, over the striker’s value. Although Gyökeres held an agreement with former sporting director Hugo Viana to sell him for a £59 million package, Varanda has denied this.
Speaking to the Portuguese media recently, Varanda has now explained that with Gyökeres not available for a £59 million package, he is also using Cunha’s transfer fee as a benchmark as to what the 27-year-old is worth.
“I believe that Viktor could leave, unless he has the worst agent in the world. Sporting doesn’t need to sell Gyökeres, but we’re not insensitive to Viktor’s dreams, Varanda explained, via Cabine Desportiva.
“Sporting is calm regarding this matter. Secondly, Sporting doesn’t need to sell Viktor Gyökeres. Fortunately, we’ve moved past the phase of selling our main asset. But we’re not insensitive to the dreams of Viktor or any other athlete.
“Sporting has made a commitment that, after weeks of meetings, we won’t demand the full release clause amount, and we’ll be reasonable regarding the price asked for Viktor. Today, there’s a strong likelihood that he’ll leave. I won’t say what the amount is; the player knows it.
“I can say that Viktor won’t leave for 60+10. He won’t leave, absolutely not. In recent weeks, we’ve been paying attention. I saw a player, Zubimendi, who is six months younger than Viktor, go for 65 million, and I saw Matheus Cunha go to Manchester United for around 75 million euros.
“We’re talking about players who are 26 years old. I believe that Viktor could leave, unless he has the worst agent in the world, which I don’t believe, as he’s one of the best in the world.”
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