Manchester United are leading the race to sign Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo, who is set to leave the Bees this summer after a stunning individual campaign in the Premier League
Bryan Mbeumo is on the cusp of a huge summer in his career as Manchester United pursue his services, yet the Brentford forward is no stranger to making big decisions. The 25 year old attacker is set for a move during the summer transfer window following an exceptional season that has made him one of Europe’s most sought after forwards.
Mbeumo has had an impressive run this season, scoring 20 goals and providing eight assists in 38 Premier League games for Brentford, establishing himself as one of the league’s standout performers. He has been linked with Newcastle, Liverpool and Tottenham, but it appears Manchester United are the front runners to sign the £50million-rated forward.
The Brentford star is eager to experience European football, a factor that could potentially disadvantage United, after a disappointing domestic campaign. Mbeumo has spent six years at Brentford, having signed from French club Troyes when they were in the Championship.
His performances for Brentford have previously attracted attention, not just from rival clubs. In the summer of 2022, legendary former Barcelona and Inter Milan striker Samuel Eto’o was monitoring him in his capacity as president of the Cameroon Football Federation.
Although born in France and having represented Les Bleus at under-17 to under-21 level, Mbeumo never received a senior call-up. His father hails from Cameroon, and ahead of the 2022 World Cup, Eto’o approached Mbeumo with a proposal.
Mbeumo recollected the encounter on Brentford’s club website in November 2022, saying, “It was just the two of us, I met him in a restaurant. 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.”
On meeting a football icon, he admitted, “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.
“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.
“I’m very proud for me and my family to represent the country. My dad was very happy – I also did this for him. I knew how proud he would be and he felt amazing after I made my debut and played those two games.”
With 22 caps and six goals for Cameroon to his name, Mbeumo is aiming to progress in his club career this summer. Despite Brentford’s desire to keep him, manager Thomas Frank recognises his star player’s potential to climb higher – even considering clubs like United, who finished five places below in the recent season.
“He’s been fantastic,” Frank said in a recent Sky Sports interview. “For me, it’s been a privilege to work with him for six years and see his development from a teenager, I think he was 19 when he came or a young man, to a more grown-up man in many ways. And that personal development I think is equally as important.
“I always knew he was a goalscorer. Now he’s now just a more consistent goalscorer. His hold-up play is even better, his assist play or link-up play, his work ethic is fantastic. So very impressed.”
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2025-06-04 17:00:00
