Aksel Kryhlmand
Mbeumo’s arrival would make tactical sense.
Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Bryan Mbeumo continues to simmer as the summer transfer window heats up, and while Manchester United remain frontrunners, there’s still a route for Spurs to hijack the deal. But it comes with one important condition, a squad reshuffle that could gift the Brentford forward his dream shirt number.
Spurs Still in the Race for Mbeumo
Despite strong interest from Old Trafford, Tottenham have not backed down in their interest in the 24-year-old Cameroonian international. Mbeumo had a breakout Premier League campaign last season, scoring 20 goals and adding 9 assists, numbers bettered only by a select few including Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland.
Manchester United have already tabled a £60 million offer, but Brentford are reportedly holding out for closer to £70 million. That high valuation hasn’t scared off Spurs, especially since Thomas Frank took over from Ange Postecoglou and reignited his old Brentford connection.
Frank and Mbeumo enjoyed an excellent working relationship in west London, where the winger thrived as a key component of Brentford’s direct, counter-attacking style. A reunion under the lights of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is far from impossible.
The No.19 Condition
There’s a symbolic angle to Spurs’ pursuit as well. Mbeumo has worn the No.19 shirt throughout his time at Brentford and is said to be attached to the number. It’s a small detail, but often a meaningful one for players of his profile.
Currently, that shirt is worn at Spurs by Dominic Solanke, recently signed from Bournemouth and one of the few players specifically mentioned by Frank during his first interview as head coach. Solanke previously wore No.9 at Bournemouth and No.29 at Liverpool, indicating a preference for shirt numbers ending in 9.
Should Richarlison leave Tottenham this summer, with Saudi interest and potential talks with Everton swirling, Solanke would be in prime position to inherit the No.9 shirt. That would in turn free up No.19 for Mbeumo.
In other words, Mbeumo’s dream shirt is available, but only if Richarlison goes.
Strategic Fit and Squad Dynamics
Mbeumo’s arrival would make tactical sense. With Son Heung-min reportedly more open to a summer departure than ever, and omitted from Frank’s first club interview, Spurs may need a new left-sided forward capable of cutting in and carrying goal threat. Mbeumo fits that bill perfectly.
Add to that Frank’s familiarity with his playing style, movement patterns and mentality, and the logic of the move strengthens further. He’s a proven Premier League attacker in his prime, capable of functioning as both a wide forward and secondary striker.
If Son and Richarlison both leave, Tottenham’s attacking reshuffle becomes inevitable, and Mbeumo could well be the crown jewel of that rebuild.
One Exit Could Unlock the Deal
Tottenham have the emotional narrative, the tactical justification, and the managerial backing to make Bryan Mbeumo’s switch to north London a reality. But they also have a logjam of forwards, and unless one of them, likely Richarlison, departs in the coming weeks, that final push may remain out of reach.
Handing Mbeumo the No.19 shirt would be a symbolic gesture, a nod to continuity and comfort in a new environment. But it would also be the first building block in a new-look Spurs frontline, designed in Thomas Frank’s image.