Bryan Mbeumo (26, Brentford) has completed preparations to wear the Manchester United uniform. Manchester United, looking for a 'forward multi-role' resource, is on the verge of its second major signing this summer.

The British 'The Times' reported on the 26th (Korean time) that "Manchester United is close to signing Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo." Negotiations between the clubs regarding the transfer fee are nearly in the final stages, and Manchester United is expected to make an official announcement before the team's return to preseason on July 7.

According to the report, Manchester United recently offered £60 million (approximately 111.5 billion won), while Brentford wants an additional £2.5 million, totaling £62.5 million (approximately 116.2 billion won). Both sides are negotiating terms, including incentive clauses, and if performance bonuses are included, the contract is expected to be structured close to the amount Brentford desires.

Currently, Mbeumo is only awaiting the approval process for medical tests for his transfer to Manchester United.

Mbeumo is a versatile attacking resource primarily positioned on the right wing but capable of playing centrally and in the second line. In the 2023-2024 season of the Premier League, he scored 20 goals and provided 7 assists, becoming a key player in Brentford's attack. He amassed a total of 27 attacking points in 38 matches, contributing directly to the team's 22 points earned. This means he individually generated about 40% of Brentford's season total points (55 points).

The detailed metrics are even more impressive. With an expected assist (xA) of 9.26, he ranked first in the league, and his 202 crosses also led the league. His total distance covered was 387.6 km, and he recorded 870 sprints, ranking third in the league. His actual goals compared to expected goals (xG) was +7.72, leading to the top performance in the league, and he ranked second in the league power ranking points counted by Sky Sports, following Mohamed Salah.

Manchester United's interest in Mbeumo became more concrete under manager Ruben Amorim. Amorim is preparing a dynamic 'space-creating' attack strategy using Mbeumo and newly acquired Matheus Cunha (formerly of Wolverhampton), and he is looking for a 'true No. 9' resource to fill the last spot. Physical strikers from Serie A and the Bundesliga, including Chelsea's Christopher Nkunku, are also under consideration.

Previously, Manchester United brought Cunha through a buyout clause for £62.5 million (approximately 116.2 billion won), and if they acquire Mbeumo, their summer transfer market expenditure will exceed £125 million (approximately 232.5 billion won). Mbeumo's weekly salary is expected to be similar to or slightly higher than Cunha's (£150,000), and the contract is likely to be signed with a duration of 5 years plus an option to extend until June 2029.

Meanwhile, interest in Mbeumo is not limited to Manchester United. Thomas Frank, who managed him at Brentford, has joined Tottenham, leading to reports that the North London rival has also entered the bidding war. Notably, Tottenham offered a higher weekly salary than Manchester United and is viewed as a more attractive option, having secured a spot in the 2025-2026 UEFA Champions League.

Nevertheless, Mbeumo chose Manchester United. Analysts suggest that the guarantee to be at the center of the project and the fact that manager Ruben Amorim is planning to make him a key player played a decisive role in his choice.

Having announced a major rebuilding of their attack, midfield, goalkeeper, and wingbacks, Manchester United is now expected to start offloading surplus resources. The fates of existing wing resources such as Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho, and Marcus Rashford could be key to rebalancing the squad this summer.

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