Manchester United transfer news as Ruben Amorim's dream attack edges closer to complete with Bryan Mbeumo wanting move to Old Trafford
Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo
Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo(Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United are hoping to add Bryan Mbeumo to Ruben Amorim's squad for the 2025/26 season, but they could run into a problem with the £60million-rated attacker.
Mbeumo is the priority target for United after they confirmed the £62.5m signing of Matheus Cunha. Jason Wilcox is launching an effort to bolster Amorim's attack after the worst goalscoring campaign in 35 years.
The Brentford forward scored 20 Premier League goals last season, more than any other United player across all competitions. A deal to bring Mbeumo to Old Trafford has been complicated by Tottenham's interested but it's understood that the 25-year-old wants the move.
A bid of £45million plus £10m in add-ons has already been turned down by Brentford with the Bees reportedly keen to receive close to their £60m valuation. United will be hopeful to complete the move before pre-season starts in July to give him enough time to mould into Amorim's squad.
However, once the signing is finalised, United will have to come to terms with the prospect of being without their new signing for up to six games later in the season.
Mbeumo is one of Cameroon's key players and this year's African Cup of Nations means he will travel to Morocco to compete to become the best team in Africa.
The tournament kicks-off on 21 December and runs until January 18 2026. Cameroon are in Group F alongside Ivory Coast, Gabon and Mozambique with fixtures on December 24, 28 and 31.
Bryan Mbeumo is a key player for Cameroon
Bryan Mbeumo is a key player for Cameroon
If Marc Brys' men reach the knockout stages via finishing first or second, they will play on either January 6 or January 4. It means that Mbeumo, should he be called-up, will definitely miss the Premier League games against Aston Villa, Newcastle and Wolves.
Progress to the last 16 and beyond will also see him be absent for the trip to Leeds United on January 3. Depending on how far Cameroon go in the tournament, he could also miss the games against Burnley and Manchester City on January 7 and January 17.
Mbeumo isn't the only potential absentee for United with Andre Onana, Noussair Mazraoui and Amad all set to be part of the tournament.
United fixtures Mbeumo could miss due to AFCON 2025
December 20th: Aston Villa (A)
December 27th: Newcastle (H)
December 30th: Wolves (H)
January 3rd: Leeds United (A)
January 7th: Burnley (A)
January 17th: Man City (H)