Manchester United have completed the sensational signing of Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford in a deal worth up to £71million — just as Marcus Rashford edges closer to a shock loan move to Barcelona.
Mbeumo, 25, was one of the standout performers in the Premier League last season, netting 20 goals and providing seven assists in a campaign that saw him ranked among the top five most productive attackers in the division. Only Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak and Erling Haaland bettered his goal tally.
United had an initial bid rejected earlier in the summer but returned with an improved £65m offer plus £6m in add-ons, which Brentford accepted.
The Cameroon international passed his medical over the weekend and signed a five-year deal with an option for a further year.
“As soon as I knew United were interested, it was an easy decision,” Mbeumo told the club’s website. “This is the team I supported growing up, and now I’m ready to give everything to help us win trophies.”
The forward becomes United’s third major signing under new boss Ruben Amorim, joining Matheus Cunha and teenage sensation Diego Leon.
United’s Director of Football, Jason Wilcox, hailed the deal, saying: “Bryan’s Premier League record speaks for itself. He fits our new culture and brings exactly the kind of mentality Ruben is building here.”
Meanwhile, Rashford’s shock switch to Barcelona looks all but done. The England forward landed in Spain over the weekend and is expected to undergo a medical this week ahead of a season-long loan.
The move, orchestrated by new Barça boss Hansi Flick, could breathe new life into Rashford’s stuttering form — and make room for Mbeumo to flourish in United’s revamped front line.
United’s US pre-season tour kicks off later this week, and Mbeumo is expected to feature.
