Tottenham enter £70m battle with Manchester United for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo this summer
Thomas Frank’s switch to Tottenham has ignited a transfer tug-of-war for Bryan Mbeumo, as Spurs attempt to hijack Manchester United’s move for the Brentford forward in a £70m deal.
United had identified Mbeumo as a top target after sealing a £62.5m deal for Wolves striker Matheus Cunha. However, their opening bid — £45m plus £10m in add-ons — was swiftly rejected by Brentford earlier this month. The Red Devils had been preparing an improved offer when Tottenham dramatically entered the race.
Standard Sport reports that Spurs have now tabled a £65m bid with an additional £5m in add-ons, matching Brentford’s valuation for the in-demand Cameroon international. The north London club’s interest intensified following their £10m swoop for Frank, who left the Gtech Community Stadium to succeed Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday.
Whether Frank’s arrival in north London influences Mbeumo remains to be seen. But his public comments before leaving Brentford now carry added weight. The Danish manager repeatedly praised Mbeumo’s qualities, while warning suitors that any sale would demand a significant fee.
Speaking to Viaplay in May, Frank admitted: “It is clear that if he is to be sold, it must be for a nice, nice amount. It is a lot. Mucho. Really a lot.”
He underlined Mbeumo’s irreplaceable contribution after a stunning season where the 24-year-old notched 20 goals and nine assists across all competitions, propelling Brentford to a 10th-place Premier League finish.
Embed from Getty Images“How many wingers score 20 goals for a mid-table club? And then with seven assists, plus his work ethic. And his character. All these things mean that he has a lot, so he is a good player,” Frank stated.
While Arsenal and Newcastle have also monitored Mbeumo, the battle has largely boiled down to United and Spurs. Brentford have made it clear they’re open to selling at the right price, but will not let their star man depart on the cheap.
Frank has never shied away from describing Brentford as a “selling club,” but stressed that Mbeumo has remained content at the Gtech. Speaking to Sky Sports News last month, he said: “I know that Bryan is very happy being here at Brentford, he’s thriving, doing well and playing fantastically. What happens in the future? I don’t know.”
He added: “Of course, if the right price — and that’s going to be expensive — is coming, then I’m sure the club will be open for it. But I’m very happy he’s here, and I’m convinced that Bryan will still be happy playing football here.”
Mbeumo’s blistering form last season has seen his stock soar. His versatility — able to play across the front line — combined with clinical finishing, strong work ethic, and high football IQ, has attracted attention from several top clubs across Europe.
With United eager to rebuild their attack under INEOS leadership and Spurs desperate to bolster their frontline after Postecoglou’s departure, the battle for Mbeumo’s signature looks set to become one of the defining transfer sagas of the summer.
As it stands, Tottenham’s direct move for Mbeumo may give them the edge, thanks to Frank’s personal influence and the player’s strong relationship with his former boss. However, with United weighing up a counter-offer, Brentford could soon find themselves with both Manchester and north London locked in a fierce bidding war for their prized asset.
