Bryan Mbeumo is a man in demand this summer as he continues to impress for Brentford and could be on the move in the current transfer window - with Newcastle interested
Bryan Mbeumo of Cameroon
Bryan Mbeumo of Cameroon
Bryan Mbeumo's journey from Troyes' second team to becoming a Premier League sensation is no fluke. The Brentford striker has taken the English top tier by storm, proving himself as one of the most formidable forwards in the league.
The 25 year old is hot property this summer with numerous clubs vying for his signature, but it is Manchester United, as opposed to the likes of Newcastle, Arsenal and Tottenham, that is his preferred destination.
He won't be a bargain buy. Brentford are in a commanding position and while Thomas Frank and his team won't obstruct a significant move, they will insist on their asking price, believed to be over £60m.
United are set to press ahead with talks and are hopeful of striking a deal for the Bees forward this summer.
Mbeumo has had six successful seasons in West London, aiding them in securing promotion from the Premier League in 2021 before becoming an integral part of a team which has contended for European spots. His tally of 20 goals in 38 top-tier matches this season was a personal best, bringing his total to a commendable 70 in red-and-white stripes.
Born in Avallon, France, Mbeumo has represented the French national side at Under 17, U20 and U21 level. However, he was persuaded to switch his international allegiance to Cameroon by none other than Barcelona's legendary striker Samuel Eto'o.
The pair met in London in 2022, with the former Chelsea and Inter Milan star convincing him to represent Cameroon, where his father was born.
Mbeumo went on to shine at the 2022 World Cup for Cameroon and is currently aiding their qualification bid for the 2026 tournament, having scored in a 3-1 victory over Libya in March. Newcastle United are hopeful that they will benefit from the advice Eto'o gave Mbeumo during their meeting, should a deal be finalised.
"It was just the two of us, I met him in a restaurant," Mbeumo recalled in 2022. "He came to London to see me. I know from my dad, who's Cameroonian, that it could be a good opportunity.
"When he approached me in the first place, I didn't know if I would go or not. But after speaking to him, he explained to me about the project and I was happy with it.
"Afterwards, he gave me a bit of time to think about it before I gave my decision, and then I decided to play for them. I was a bit nervous to meet him! He's a legend of African football and football in general.
"I also asked him questions about being a striker, how he did certain things, how he dealt with certain situations, and he gave me advice. Talking about football with him was great.
Cameroon are set to play two friendly matches this month, firstly clashing with Uganda on Friday, June 6, before heading off to challenge Equatorial Guinea on Monday, June 9.