Manchester United’s summer-long pursuit of Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo is facing a significant delay, not over the total transfer fee, but over the structure of the payment. The player himself is reportedly growing frustrated with the hold-up, despite having made it clear that a move to Old Trafford is his preference.
United’s latest offer is understood to be worth around £62.5 million, consisting of a £55 million guaranteed fee and a further £7.5 million in performance-related add-ons. However, Brentford are insisting on receiving a larger portion of the fee upfront, rather than relying on potentially unrealized bonuses.
Brentford are in a strong negotiating position and are not under pressure to sell the Cameroonian star. They have already had a turbulent summer, losing manager Thomas Frank to Tottenham, captain Christian Nørgaard to Arsenal, and their starting goalkeeper. Having already raised significant funds, they are determined not to allow a mass exodus.
Although the deal would make Mbeumo Brentford’s most expensive sale in history, its completion now hinges on Manchester United’s willingness to restructure their payment plan to satisfy Brentford’s demands for more guaranteed cash.