Aksel Kryhlmand
Should Tottenham succeed in signing Mbeumo, they will have to plan for a significant mid-season absence
Tottenham Hotspur’s summer transfer ambitions continue to intensify as the club chases Bryan Mbeumo in what could become a £70 million blockbuster signing. However, while Mbeumo’s arrival would undoubtedly boost Thomas Frank’s squad, the timing of his potential involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) poses an early challenge for Spurs.
£70m Signing in the Pipeline
The 25-year-old winger is on the verge of leaving Brentford, with Manchester United and Tottenham both vying for his signature. Mbeumo has expressed a preference for United, but Spurs’ recent Europa League final triumph and guaranteed Champions League football for 2025/26 may sway his decision. Add to that his strong relationship with newly appointed Tottenham boss Thomas Frank, his former manager at Brentford, and Spurs may hold the upper hand in the transfer race.
Despite United’s early advances, their opening bids fell short of Brentford’s £70m valuation. Tottenham, sensing an opportunity, are believed to be preparing a move to hijack the deal.
AFCON Absence Looms Large
Should Tottenham succeed in signing Mbeumo, they will have to plan for a significant mid-season absence. Cameroon, Mbeumo’s national team, are expected to participate in the upcoming AFCON tournament starting in late December 2025. His inclusion in the squad would mean missing up to eight matches across multiple competitions for Spurs.
Here’s the potential impact:
- Premier League Fixtures Missed:
- vs Liverpool (December 20)
- vs Crystal Palace (December 26)
- vs Brentford (December 29)
- vs Sunderland (January 4)
- vs Bournemouth (January 7)
- vs West Ham (January 11, dependent on AFCON progression)
- Domestic Cup Matches Missed:
- FA Cup third round (weekend of January 10–12)
- Carabao Cup semi-final first leg (if Spurs qualify)
The group stage alone will keep Mbeumo away during the congested festive period. Progression to the quarter-finals or beyond will extend that absence into mid-January.
Not an Isolated Issue
Mbeumo’s absence would not be the only AFCON-induced disruption for Spurs. Fellow midfielders Yves Bissouma (Mali) and Pape Matar Sarr (Senegal) are also expected to feature in the tournament. That could leave Spurs short-handed in midfield and wide areas at a critical point in the season.
Worth the Wait?
Despite the risk of losing Mbeumo for a key stretch of fixtures, Tottenham remain determined to pursue the deal. Mbeumo scored 9 goals and contributed 6 assists in a disrupted 2024/25 season and is seen as a top-tier attacking addition with proven Premier League pedigree.
His versatility to play across the front three and familiarity with Frank’s tactical system makes him a ready-made solution, even if his immediate availability will be compromised by international duty.