BY OSABUOHIEN VIVIAN ROSE
Manchester United have announced the signing of forward Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford for a transfer fee of £70 million ($94m).
The 25-year old joins on a long-term deal and becomes United’s second signing of the summer after they brought in striker Matheus Cunha from Wolves.
Mbeumo could make his debut for United during their three-match preseason tour of the United States. Ruben Amorim’s side are set to fly to the U.S. on Tuesday ahead of playing three games during stops in Chicago, New York and Atlanta.
After six years at Brentford, Mbeumo leaves with 70 goals and 51 assists in 242 appearances for the club.
United were in negotiations to sign the Cameroonian forward for several weeks, Brentford made it clear during negotiations that they value Mbeumo above the £62.5 million paid for Cunha, sources said.
According to sources, there’s some frustration at United at how Brentford handled the negotiations.
They believe Brentford’s valuation changed repeatedly and at one point it was as high at £70m plus £7m in add-ons.
Arsenal expressed interest in Mbeumo and Chelsea made a late attempt to scupper United’s move but the 25-year-old completed a £65million move, rising to £71m, to United on Monday.
United were also made aware of interest from Arsenal and a late move by Chelsea to steal the deal.
Meanwhile, Brentford believe United intentionally negotiated a high wage with Mbeumo to convince him to move to Old Trafford before offering lower than expected transfer fees during formal negotiations.
