Mbeumo joins ‘the club of my dreams’

Bryan Mbeumo described signing for Manchester United as joining “the club of his dreams” after completing a £65m move from Brentford, which includes an additional £6m in potential bonuses.

The 25-year-old winger has signed a contract that runs for five years, with the option to extend it by an extra season. He becomes the third recruit under new United boss Ruben Amorim, following striker Matheus Cunha and full-back Diego Leon.

The Cameroon international had been the subject of prolonged negotiations since early June. United’s initial £55m proposal was turned down, as was a second offer of £62.5m. The third bid was finally accepted last week.

“As soon as I knew there was a chance to join Manchester United, I had to take the opportunity to sign for the club of my dreams; the team whose shirt I wore growing up,” said Mbeumo.

“My mentality is to always be better than I was yesterday. I know that I have the spirit and character to reach another level here, learning from Ruben Amorim and playing alongside world-class players.

“Everybody told me about the environment that is being created here and how exciting the plans are for the future. This is a massive club, with an incredible stadium and amazing fans, we are all really determined to challenge for the biggest trophies.”

Mbeumo played 242 times for Brentford during his six-year stay, having arrived from French side Troyes in 2019. His tally includes 70 goals and 51 assists. Last season alone, he reached personal bests in several offensive categories, scoring 20 and assisting seven in Premier League competition.

United’s director of football Jason Wilcox said: “Bryan’s goals and assists record in the Premier League is exceptional, his remarkable consistency has put him among the most productive players in England for the last three seasons.

“Bryan’s belief in our project and determination to join the club confirmed he was the perfect fit for Manchester United and the culture we are developing.”

His exit sets a new transfer record for Brentford, surpassing the £40m fee secured from Al-Ahli for Ivan Toney in 2024.

Phil Giles, director of football at Brentford, said: “On behalf of everyone at Brentford, I would like to wish Bryan all the best for the future and thank him for his fantastic efforts over six seasons with us.

“Bryan came to us as a teenager, and it has been an absolute pleasure for all of us here to watch him develop as a player and a person. Our fans have loved him, and he has been a part of some of our greatest days.

“There is always a right time for a player to move on and, for Bryan, that time is now. He has the opportunity to go to one of the biggest clubs in the world and we are very happy for him.”

Set to wear the number 19 shirt at Old Trafford, Mbeumo is expected to travel with the squad for their upcoming pre-season tour of the United States, starting Tuesday.

Last season, his attacking output went beyond goals and assists. He created more chances, had more touches in the opposition box, and posted the highest number of goal-creating ball carries in the league — nine runs over five metres that led directly to a goal. His shot conversion rate stood at 23.53%, behind only Mo Salah and Alexander Isak.

Defensively, Mbeumo recovered possession 32 times in the final third, ranking third among all Premier League players.

Negotiations were tense. United grew frustrated, believing Brentford shifted their valuation multiple times. The west London club reportedly preferred selling to Tottenham or Newcastle, aiming for a larger fee. Brentford were confident Spurs, managed by former Bees boss Thomas Frank, could match their ask, initially close to £70m plus £7m in extras. At one stage, Brentford even suggested Mbeumo lower his wage expectations to facilitate a move.

Eventually, a compromise was reached without that step. The final fee was settled, allowing all sides to proceed.

Given United’s 15th-place finish last season and no European football to offer, the deal is seen as a significant win by club officials, with director Jason Wilcox delivering a key target ahead of September’s transfer deadline.

There’s more to come at Old Trafford. Outgoings are expected in the coming weeks, especially following Marcus Rashford’s near-confirmed switch to Barcelona. But after securing Amorim’s primary attacking options, club leadership believes they’ve proven United remains a destination for top talent.