Soccer
Bryan Mbeumo has completed his transfer to Manchester United in a move reportedly worth up to £71m.
Mbeumo starred for Brentford last season, scoring 20 Premier League goals – a tally bettered by only Mohamed Salah (29), Alexander Isak (23) and Erling Haaland (22).
Indeed, Mbeumo’s 27 goal involvements ranked behind only Isak (29) and Salah (47) in the top-flight last term.
Having seen an initial offer turned down for the Cameroon international earlier in the transfer window, United returned with an improved bid last week, said to be worth £65m plus an additional £6m in add-ons – terms that Brentford accepted.
Mbeumo completed his United medical over the weekend and has put pen to paper on a five-year contract, with the option of a further 12 months.
He becomes the third senior addition of the summer for Ruben Amorim, following the arrivals of Matheus Cunha from Wolves and Diego Leon from Cerro Porteno.
“As soon as I knew there was a chance to join Manchester United, I had to take the opportunity to sign for the club of my dreams; the team whose shirt I wore growing up,” Mbeumo told the club’s official website.
“My mentality is to always be better than I was yesterday. I know that I have the spirit and character to reach another level here, learning from Ruben Amorim and playing alongside world-class players.
“Everybody told me about the environment that is being created here and how exciting the plans are for the future. This is a massive club, with an incredible stadium and amazing fans. We are all really determined to challenge for the biggest trophies.”
Mbeumo scored 15 non-penalty goals in the league last season, outperforming his non-penalty expected goals (xG) by 7.5.
The 25-year-old was involved in 166 open-play shot-ending sequences in the league, leading Brentford’s squad.
Among Manchester United players, only Bruno Fernandes (216) recorded more such involvements in the Premier League last season than Mbeumo.
“Bryan’s goals and assists record in the Premier League is exceptional, his remarkable consistency has put him amongst the most productive players in England for the last three seasons,” United’s Director of Football Jason Wilcox added.
“Bryan’s belief in our project and determination to join the club confirmed that he was the perfect fit for Manchester United and the culture that we are developing.
“We are delighted to have secured another one of our primary targets ahead of the pre-season tour. The experience in the US will be the perfect opportunity for Bryan to work with Ruben and his new team-mates as we prepare for an exciting season ahead.”
The deal comes shortly after it was revealed that Marcus Rashford had landed in Barcelona to complete a season-long loan deal with the LaLiga champions.
It has been reported that Rashford will undergo a medical early this week in the hopes he will be able to join up with Hansi Flick’s team for their pre-season tour of Asia.
Read MoreSoccerNews