Bryan Mbeumo’s Potential £60m Move to Manchester United Could See Him Miss Six Key Games
Manchester United are reportedly closing in on a £60 million deal for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo, but his possible arrival at Old Trafford could come with an early setback as he is expected to miss up to six matches due to international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Deal Status and Transfer Battle
Manchester United’s opening offer for Mbeumo was said to be around £45 million with £10 million in add-ons, but Brentford have stood firm, valuing the player at £60 million. Mbeumo is understood to be open to the move, eyeing both a fresh challenge and a substantial increase in his wages.
However, the transfer battle is not over yet. Tottenham Hotspur are also in the race for the Cameroon international and hope their qualification for the Champions League and the recent appointment of former Brentford manager Thomas Frank will tempt Mbeumo to choose a move to North London instead.
Mbeumo has remained professional throughout the speculation, acknowledging the interest in his services but maintaining focus on his current club as negotiations continue behind the scenes.
The AFCON Obstacle
One complication for any potential deal is Mbeumo’s expected participation in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The tournament has been scheduled to run from late December 2025 to mid-January 2026, which means that if he completes a move to Manchester United, Mbeumo could miss up to six Premier League games during a crucial part of the season.
For United, this could be a significant blow. The festive period and early New Year fixtures are often decisive in shaping a team’s league standing, and being without a key forward during this stretch will be a major challenge. Mbeumo’s absence could impact matches against strong opposition, including important fixtures such as clashes with Aston Villa, Newcastle United, Wolves, Leeds United, Burnley, and the high-stakes derby against Manchester City.
United’s Squad Planning
Despite this potential setback, Manchester United appear eager to proceed with the deal, seeing Mbeumo as a perfect fit for their attacking rebuild. The forward’s versatility, ability to play across the front line, and Premier League experience make him an attractive option for the club’s future plans.
United are reportedly preparing an improved offer to meet Brentford’s asking price, and wage demands are also being addressed to convince Mbeumo to make the switch. The management believes that securing the 25-year-old could add a new dimension to their attacking play as they aim to climb back into the top four next season.
Tottenham’s Interest
Meanwhile, Tottenham remain in the hunt. With Champions League football on offer and a manager Mbeumo has previously thrived under, Spurs are confident they can lure the player to North London. Their efforts to bolster their attacking options could see them rival United’s financial package, setting up a competitive race for the player’s signature.
What Lies Ahead
While Mbeumo’s quality and potential impact are unquestionable, whichever club signs him will have to factor in his likely unavailability during AFCON. For United, whose festive fixture list is traditionally demanding, this could complicate their squad rotation and tactical plans during a vital part of the season.
With both clubs weighing up the risks and rewards of the deal, the coming weeks could prove decisive in determining where Mbeumo plays his football next season. As the summer transfer window unfolds, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see if Manchester United can fend off Tottenham’s interest and secure their target—or if Spurs will stage a late hijack to reunite Mbeumo with Thomas Frank.
Regardless of the outcome, this developing saga promises to be one of the most intriguing transfer stories of the summer.
