Hey folks, I know it’s been a while, but to be honest, there hasn’t been much to talk about.
Well, not much _concrete_ stuff to talk about, but we’re back to round up the latest rumors in the transfer market around Manchester United.
**All Quiet on the Mbeumo Front**
News around a move for Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo had picked up steam following the confirmation of a deal for Matheus Cunha, but things have slowed down in recent weeks as the clubs couldn’t agree a fee. On top of that, Tottenham Hotspur have entered the mix to secure his services after making Mbeumo’s boss their new manager.
Sky Sports reported this week that Mbeumo still prefers a move to United, but multiple reports have linked the winger to Tottenham since manager Thomas Frank’s appointment. The pair have worked together for six years, dating back to the player’s arrival in Frank’s second season in charge of Brentford, and earned promotion to the Premier League together in 2021.
Mbeumo offers the sort of balance in goal creation and ball progression that United need across the front three, taking some of the workload off of Bruno Fernandes and Cunha, but at a price approaching £70 million, it might be time for United to explore other options, especially considering other needs to address.
**The search for a No. 9 goes on after another rejection**
United are no longer the only club linked to Swedish forward Viktor Gyokeres, with Arsenal entering the picture over the last week, but both English clubs have kept their options open. Victor Osimhen, Hugo Ekitike, and Benjamin Sesko have also been linked to Premier League clubs, all for a price between £60-100 million. While United still has some pull, we learned from Liam Delap that clubs playing in Europe and pushing for trophies remain the preferred destination for top players. It’s not the most fun reality for us, but United’s best option may not be identified until the next domino falls to the Gunners.
Gyokeres is a player who would command a hefty transfer fee from Sporting, and with the wages involved as well, the option might be beyond United’s comfort zone. Record Portugal reported on Friday that his agents have informed United they are no longer an option. Though he was a fit for Amorim’s setup in Liga Nos, it may be a blessing in disguise to look for alternative options.
Eintracht Frankfurt’s Ekitike has drawn interest from Chelsea and Liverpool, but Sky and ESPN linked the forward to United over the weekend. At 22 years old, the Frenchman fits the preferred profile of signings under the new leadership, but will likely require a larger fee to match his other suitors.
Osimhen, a player long linked with a move to the Premier League, would still demand a large fee from Napoli, but United could likely sweeten the deal with a player they’re trying to move on from. If Garnacho is up for a Serie A swap, that may be his avenue off the books at Old Trafford.
**Remaining needs**
The Reds have a lengthy list of first-team needs to get back to where they want to be, but The Guardian is saying that the list for the summer includes a central midfielder and a goalkeeper once a pair of forwards, including a striker, are secured.
Andre Onana’s struggles have been in the open for all to witness since his arrival as David De Gea’s replacement. There hasn’t been much movement in replacing him so far this summer, although Argentina and Aston Villa no. 1 Emiliano Martinez has been mentioned as an option.
In terms of a central midfielder, there hasn’t been mention of any players lately. Adam Wharton is a name several teams are high on, given his performances at Crystal Palace, but he has three years remaining on his contract, and Palace may be playing in the Europa League next season if given UEFA approval.