Is this the end for Antony?
Manchester United have completed the signing of Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford in a deal worth an initial £65 million, ending one of the summer’s longest-running transfer sagas. The Cameroonian international has penned a five-year deal at Old Trafford, with the option of a further year.
The 25-year-old winger becomes United manager Ruben Amorim’s third major signing of the window, following the arrivals of Matheus Cunha and Diego Leon. Mbeumo is set to wear the number 19 shirt and will join the squad for their pre-season tour of the United States this week.
Speaking after the move was finalised, Mbeumo expressed his delight: “This is the club I dreamed of playing for. I wore the United shirt growing up, and when I heard they wanted me, it was an easy decision.”
He added: “I’m always looking to improve, and with Ruben Amorim’s guidance and the talent around me, I believe I can reach new levels. The ambition here is clear—we want to challenge for the biggest trophies.”
United’s pursuit of the former Brentford star began in early June. Their opening bid of £55m was rejected, followed by a second offer of £62.5m. It was their third approach—an initial £65m plus £6m in potential add-ons—that finally convinced Brentford to sell.
Mbeumo departs Brentford as their record sale, surpassing the £40m fee received for Ivan Toney last year. Since joining from French club Troyes in 2019, Mbeumo made 242 appearances for the Bees, scoring 70 goals and assisting 51. Last season was his most prolific, with 20 goals and seven assists in the Premier League alone.
United’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, praised the new signing: “Bryan has consistently been one of the Premier League’s most effective attackers. His stats speak for themselves, but it’s his hunger to be part of our project that really impressed us.”
Brentford also bid an emotional farewell to their long-serving winger. “Bryan has been a key part of our journey,” said Bees director of football Phil Giles. “We’ve seen him grow from a teenager into one of the top wide players in the league. Now he gets the chance to take the next step, and we couldn’t be prouder.”
Mbeumo will now look to make his mark at Old Trafford, as Manchester United prepare for a new season with fresh hope under Amorim’s leadership.
