Bryan Mbeumo, the Lion causing a stir in the European transfer market
Manchester United, Tottenham... several major European clubs are already eyeing Bryan Mbeumo
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Bryan Mbeumo is on cloud nine. At just 25, the Brentford forward is among the most sought-after players in the current transfer window. Little wonder! After an outstanding season with Brentford (20 goals and 7 assists in the Premier League), the Cameroon international (18 caps, 4 goals) has established himself among the best attacking players in English football, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Erling Haaland (22 goals), Mohamed Salah (29 goals) and Alexander Isak (23 goals). His consistency (he is Brentford's second most used player this season) and his influence on games have contributed hugely to the best season in the history of the Bees, who finished in the top half of the table.
This rise has understandably sharpened the appetite of Europe's big clubs, starting with those in England. Manchester United and Tottenham, ready to fight a fierce financial battle, are leading the race to sign the Indomitable Lion. The Red Devils made an opening offer of £45 million plus £10 million in bonuses, but Brentford deemed it insufficient, valuing their prized asset at close to £70 million (around €82 million). Meanwhile, the specialist website Transfermarkt, for its part, puts Mbeumo's market value at €55 million.
Mbeumo wants €230,000 a week
But beyond the numbers, it is the player's profile that appeals: quick, technical and able to play across the whole front line, Mbeumo has become the team's attacking leader since Ivan Toney left for Saudi Arabia. His understanding on the pitch with Congolese forward Yoane Wissa (39 goals between them this season) and his ability to raise his game in the big matches make him a prime target for ambitious clubs.
Meanwhile, the Cameroonian forward has salary demands in line with his new status, asking for a contract worth €230,000 a week to match the pay scale at Europe's top clubs. The demand underlines not only the value the player places on himself, but also the change in stature of the former Troyes player, signed by Brentford for €6.5 million in the summer of 2019.
With Tottenham's first offer still awaited, talks continue with the Red Devils, even though the gap between Brentford's asking price and Manchester United's initial offer remains significant. One thing is certain: the Mbeumo saga is only just beginning and could well keep the market buzzing right until the final hours.