Bryan Mbeumo has completed his switch from Brentford to Manchester United for an initial fee of £65 million, ending weeks of negotiations and speculation. The Cameroon international has signed a five-year deal with an option for a sixth year and will wear the number 19 shirt.
The winger becomes the third player to join manager Ruben Amorim’s squad this summer, following earlier arrivals Matheus Cunha and Diego Leon. Mbeumo’s transfer concludes a drawn-out pursuit by United, who first tabled an offer for the 25-year-old seven weeks ago. After two failed attempts, the third proposal – worth £65 million up front plus a potential £6 million in add-ons – was finally accepted.
Speaking after finalising the move, Mbeumo expressed his excitement: “As soon as I knew this chance existed, I had to go for it. This was the team I supported as a child.” He added that he’s motivated to keep improving and looks forward to learning under Amorim and playing alongside top-level teammates. “Everyone I spoke to mentioned how special the atmosphere is here. The plans are really exciting.”
Goals, growth and goodbye
Mbeumo leaves Brentford as their record departure, surpassing Ivan Toney’s £40 million move to Al-Ahli. Since arriving from Troyes in 2019, he has made 242 appearances, scored 70 goals, and set up another 51. Last season was his standout campaign, with 20 league goals and seven assists – both personal bests.
Brentford director of football Phil Giles paid tribute to the outgoing forward, saying, “Bryan arrived as a teenager and has grown into an outstanding player and person. He has given us some incredible memories. Our supporters loved him, and now he has earned a move to one of the world’s biggest clubs.”
Giles added that it was the right moment for Mbeumo to move on and wished him success in the next chapter of his career.
Rising numbers and on-field impact
Last season, Mbeumo hit top form across nearly all offensive measures. He posted career-high statistics in goals, assists, chances created, and touches in the final third. His shot conversion rate of 23.53% put him just behind Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak among Premier League finishers.
His contribution went beyond scoring. He recovered possession 32 times in the attacking third, placing him third in the division in that metric. Another key aspect of his game was ball progression – he made nine carries of more than five metres that directly led to goals, the highest figure in the league.
Director of football Jason Wilcox praised both Mbeumo’s consistency and mindset: “His numbers in England speak for themselves. His drive to be part of what we’re building made it clear that he’s the right match for the culture we’re creating.” Mbeumo is expected to join United’s pre-season tour of the United States starting Tuesday.
