Manchester United have shifted their focus to Bryan Mbeumo as their next summer target, but Brentford are expected to make the pursuit far from straightforward.
Unlike their new signing Matheus Cunha, who had a release clause, Bryan Mbeumo will require a negotiated fee — and Brentford have already shown their resolve.
United’s initial offer has already been turned down, highlighting exactly how tough of a negotiating position Brentford are taking.
However, there’s now word of an ‘important’ detail in ongoing talks that could help speed up the deal.
Even though Mbeumo is keen on the switch to Old Trafford, the move was never expected to be quick.
The forward has just one year left on his contract, but Brentford’s option to extend it strengthens their hand in negotiations.
On top of that, Brentford’s recent sale of Mark Flekken already took a core player out of their squad, further complicating matters.
Now, transfer insider Ben Jacobs has shared that the specifics around add-ons could be what helps bridge the gap — if United are willing to meet Brentford’s terms.
He explained: “There is also a sense that the add-ons are going to prove really important if a deal is to be struck quickly. #MUFC inclined to trigger extras with #UCL, but Brentford want simpler individual performance criteria. Talks to continue on Thursday.”
There is also a sense that the add-ons are going to prove really important if a deal is to be struck quickly. #MUFC inclined to trigger extras with #UCL, but Brentford want simpler individual performance criteria. Talks to continue on Thursday.
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) June 4, 2025
Jacobs says Manchester United want add-ons tied to team success, which makes sense given their financial flexibility often hinges on European qualification.
At the same time, Brentford are within their rights to push for individual-based bonuses, since their primary concern is Mbeumo’s individual output.
The likely outcome is a compromise where a mix of team and performance-based add-ons will satisfy both sides.
Speed matters here. United need Mbeumo ready for preseason, while Brentford will want to reinvest quickly before prices start to reflect their cash-in-hand status.
The longer this plays out, the more it feels like just a matter of when — not if.
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