Manchester United’s protracted chase for Bryan Mbeumo may finally be nearing a breakthrough, with Brentford reportedly making a decisive move for a potential replacement. After weeks of deadlock over the fee for the 25-year-old winger, the situation has taken a positive turn in United’s favour, offering renewed hope that the Cameroonian could yet arrive at Old Trafford before the club heads to the United States for pre-season.
United have already seen two bids rejected for Mbeumo, the latest totalling £55 million plus £7.5m in add-ons. Brentford have stood firm, valuing their talisman even higher than the £62.5 million United recently paid for Matheus Cunha from Wolves. However, it appears Brentford may be softening their stance as they begin laying the groundwork for life after Mbeumo.
According to reports from the Express, Brentford have submitted a £35 million offer for Ipswich Town’s rising star Omari Hutchinson, an amount that is believed to trigger the winger’s release clause. Hutchinson, 21, is seen as Brentford’s top target to replace Mbeumo should the Cameroon international complete his expected switch to Manchester.
Manchester United could be handed Bryan Mbuemo advantage as Brentford trigger Omari Hutchinson clause.
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While no deal is confirmed, this move by Brentford suggests that internal planning is already underway for Mbeumo’s exit. With a replacement lined up, United could now find Brentford more open to negotiation, particularly if Mbeumo himself pushes to make the step up to Champions League football and compete for silverware.
Mbeumo’s qualities would add a much-needed dimension to Ruben Amorim’s attack. He contributed heavily for Brentford last season, combining pace, physicality, and directness, attributes that have at times been missing from United’s wide options. As the Red Devils look to re-establish themselves as a title contender, adding depth and dynamism to the flanks is crucial.
Moreover, with Marcus Rashford’s future still uncertain, Mbeumo could fill a vital role, either as a starter or impact substitute. He has returned to pre-season training with Brentford, but both club and player are aware that interest from a club like United doesn’t come around often.
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New Brentford boss Keith Andrews still may be reluctant to sanction Mbeumo’s departure easily, particularly with Yoane Wissa also attracting interest from the likes of Spurs and Nottingham Forest. But Brentford’s move for Hutchinson could ultimately unlock the deal. Either way, Manchester United cannot afford to dither anhy longer. Hopefully, this will force INEOS’s hand to force the deal through.
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As United prepare to jet off for their summer tour, fans will be hoping that Mbeumo is part of the travelling squad. With one major domino now set to fall, the Red Devils may finally be closing in on one of their key targets of the window.
As things stand, the player is back in pre-season training at Brentford.