Credit: Ibrahim Ezzat/NurPhoto/Alex Pantling via Getty Images

Bryan Mbeumo’s move to Manchester United hits roadblock as Fabrizio Romano shares update

Originally posted on HITC | By Jonny Maze | Last updated Jun 19, 2025 8:08 AM ET

Manchester United’s pursuit of Bryan Mbeumo has been ongoing for much of the summer, but Brentford are proving to be tough negotiators.

After completing the Matheus Cunha signing earlier this month, fans had hoped United would push ahead quickly to strengthen the squad further. So far though, the pace has slowed – and getting the Mbeumo deal done is taking longer than expected.

United’s opening bid was reportedly worth £45m, rising to £55m with add-ons, but Brentford weren’t interested. And with no second offer tabled yet, there hasn’t been the momentum many hoped for.

Tottenham have looked at Mbeumo too, but he prefers a move to Old Trafford – helped by Andre Onana’s influence as the pair know each other from the Cameroon setup.

Photo by Ibrahim Ezzat/NurPhoto via Getty Images

But progress since then has been slow, and fans are starting to wonder if the deal will get done before pre-season training begins.

How Fabrizio Romano has explained delays in United’s Bryan Mbeumo chase

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Fabrizio Romano provided more detail on the holdup, highlighting Brentford’s reputation for tough negotiating.

“They’re trying to find a solution. We know with Brentford and Brighton, it’s always difficult to negotiate for their top players, so it’s not easy to reach an agreement – but Man United are on that.

“Talking to the club and always in contact with player agents and with an agreement with Bryan Mbeumo because he wants to join United, so they remain frontrunners.”

Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images

This summer is a big one for United and Ineos, who need to show progress under new sporting leadership. Too many windows in the past featured deals that dragged on, missing huge parts of pre-season.

Landing Mbeumo before then is the goal, and United may have just received a bit of positive news on that front. According to FourFourTwo, Brentford have lined up Cheikh Sabaly as Mbeumo’s replacement.

Brentford lining up Cheikh Sabaly could mean Bryan Mbeumo move is back on

The 26-year-old winger scored 15 goals for Metz last season, helping them earn promotion from Ligue 2. And for United, knowing that Mbeumo’s replacement might already be in the frame could help move things forward.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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