Bryan Mbeumo joins Man Utd: Brentford forward completes £71m transfer to Premier League rivals

Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo has moved to Manchester United in a deal worth up to £71m.

After weeks of protracted talks and rejected bids, United and Brentford agreed a package last Friday that included a guaranteed £65m payment to be made in four instalments, as well as £6m in add-ons.

Mbeumo, who has signed a five-year deal with the option of a further year, has joined in time to be part of the United squad that flies to the United States on Tuesday for the club’s pre-season tour.

The forward said: “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.

“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.”

United had been in talks with Brentford for over a month, making a previous offer of £55m plus £7.5m in add-ons over a fortnight ago, which was rejected.

That was after Spurs had held talks with Brentford for the player, with Thomas Frank keen to bring him to north London.

But Mbeumo, who had two years left on his Brentford contract, always preferred a move to Old Trafford.

Achievable add-ons in Mbeumo deal

It is understood the add-ons for Mbeumo are very achievable, mostly based on appearances and goals in the Premier League, meaning it is likely Brentford get close to £70m for him.

If United can resurrect their trophy-winning form under Ruben Amorim, then it is even more likely the fee reaches the full £71m.

The likely extras mean Brentford stand to make more than £60m in profit on a player they signed for just £4m from Troyes in 2019, and who went on to score 70 goals, as well as making over 50 more for team-mates.

What’s next for Man Utd’s transfer plans?

As Sky Sports News has been reporting all summer, United have been looking at No 9s.

They have explored the conditions of a deal for a number of strikers, including Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres, and Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson.

Sky Sports News has been told one to keep an eye on as the window develops is RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.

United have been tracking his development for a number of years, back to when he was playing for RB Salzburg, and while Arsenal held preliminary talks for Sesko, a deal never progressed and they are now close to signing Gyokeres.

A heavy focus for Manchester United will also be on exits.

Barcelona have agreed to sign Marcus Rashford on loan, while Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia have been given extra time off to explore potential moves away.

What do the stats say about Mbeumo?

Sky Sports Data Editor Adam Smith:

Bryan Mbeumo scored 20 goals in the Premier League last season to help Brentford secure a top-half finish – only three players scored more.

He also notched seven assists but should have registered more, clocking a league-topping 9.26 expected assists during the campaign – primarily from delivering a table-topping 202 crosses.

Additionally, only two players covered more distance or attempted more sprints for the season, making him one of the hardest grafters in the league. He also provides serious pace – clocking the fourth-fastest speed at 36.63 km/h.

Only Mohamed Salah collected more form points than Mbeumo last term, according to the Sky Sports Power Rankings.

Factoring in decisive goals or assists that changed the outcomes of games, his 27 goal contributions earned Brentford 22 points – equating to 40 per cent of the Bees’ season tally.