Aksel Kryhlmand
“Mbeumo wants to come, I know it”
As the summer transfer window heats up, Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo finds himself at the center of a transfer tug-of-war between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. Both Premier League giants have tabled interest in the 25-year-old Cameroonian winger after a stellar 2024/25 season, where Mbeumo notched an impressive 20 goals.
Ferdinand’s Cautionary Words: From Star to Spotlight
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand weighed in on Mbeumo’s potential next step, offering both praise and caution. Speaking on his show Rio Ferdinand Presents, the ex-England international hailed Mbeumo’s Premier League record as “ridiculous,” citing his elite goal involvement metrics over the past three seasons.
Mbeumo wants to come, I know it,” said Ferdinand. “His stats over the last three seasons in the Premier League are up there, by the way. Goals and assists, goal chances, ridiculous. Again, another proven Premier League player.
Yet Ferdinand didn’t shy away from highlighting the stark contrast in expectations between Brentford and the clubs now circling the winger.
This is what I like, [playing] in the Premier League. There isn’t no adjustment business. The only thing there will be [is] an adjustment because of the size of the club. They don’t have to do that when they go to Arsenal. There isn’t that pressure, the badge isn’t as heavy. It’s heavy, but it’s not as heavy.
United and Spurs in a Bidding War
Manchester United reportedly had an initial £55 million bid rejected by Brentford, though talks between the clubs are ongoing. Tottenham, meanwhile, are said to have launched a larger offer under new head coach Thomas Frank, who, crucially, knows Mbeumo intimately from their time together at Brentford.
The possibility of a reunion with Frank could sway Mbeumo, though insiders claim the player has expressed a preference for Old Trafford, attracted by the prospect of playing Champions League football and being part of a high-profile rebuild.
The Numbers Behind the Hype
Mbeumo’s numbers more than justify the hype. His 20 league goals last season make him one of the top-scoring wingers in Europe’s top five leagues.
Notably, his efficiency in front of goal and versatility, he can operate on either wing or as a second striker, are attributes that appeal to both Erik ten Hag’s successor at United and Frank’s pressing-heavy Spurs blueprint.
A Star Ready for the Next Step?
With his contract entering its final two years, this summer presents the ideal window for Brentford to cash in. While Brentford have long insisted on a £70 million valuation, the player’s desire to move and the bidding pressure from two top-six clubs may accelerate proceedings.
Whoever lands Mbeumo will acquire a ready-made Premier League performer with European ambitions. As Ferdinand warned, the transition to a club with a global brand brings scrutiny and expectation, but if Mbeumo’s development to date is any indication, he may be more than ready for the spotlight.