Tottenham Hotspur ‘Seriously Pushing’ to Beat Man United to 20-Goal Forward | OneFootball

Bryan Mbeumo Transfer Latest: Man United Face Growing Pressure from Tottenham Hotspur

Bryan Mbeumo has long been on the radar of top-flight clubs, but this summer marks a significant turning point. After a breakout season in which he scored 20 Premier League goals and registered eight assists, the Brentford forward is now at the centre of a transfer tug-of-war involving Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.

United were first out of the blocks, lodging an initial £45 million offer with a further £10m in add-ons earlier this month. Their interest is genuine and longstanding, and Mbeumo is said to prefer a move to Old Trafford. However, the situation is far from settled. Tottenham, under the leadership of new manager Thomas Frank, have entered the fray with serious intent.

Photo: IMAGO

Frank Factor Could Tip the Balance

What makes this transfer battle particularly intriguing is the presence of Frank in the Spurs dugout. The former Brentford manager knows Mbeumo intimately, having brought him to England back in 2019 and worked closely with him as the pair helped take the Bees from the Championship to the Premier League.

That familiarity extends beyond the head coach. Mbeumo maintains strong ties with Tottenham’s revamped backroom staff, including Justin Cochrane, Chris Haslam and Joe Newton. Cochrane, in particular, played a key role in Mbeumo’s development as a Premier League forward, helping transform him from a raw talent to a consistent goal threat.

“Without Justin Cochrane, Mbeumo may not have become the player that he is today,” one insider commented. Cochrane joined Brentford in time for the 2022-23 campaign and helped Mbeumo refine his finishing. This past season, Mbeumo outperformed his expected goals tally (12.3 xG) significantly, netting 20 times.

Brentford Hold Strong in Valuation

Brentford are in no rush to sell. They are reportedly seeking a fee closer to the £62.5 million Manchester United paid for Matheus Cunha, and crucially, they want favourable payment terms. This is where United could falter.

Photo: IMAGO

United were reluctant to meet Wolves’ upfront demands for Cunha, preferring a long-term payment structure. Eventually, they agreed to three instalments across two seasons, but Brentford may demand more immediate cash. That opens the door for Tottenham Hotspur, who are believed to be in a more flexible financial position at present.

Mbeumo’s Role Beyond Numbers

It is not just the goals and assists that make Mbeumo so attractive. Since Ivan Toney’s suspension and eventual departure, the Cameroonian has become Brentford’s on-pitch leader, often breaking the deadlock for his side. He opened the scoring in 10 of Brentford’s 38 league matches last season and struck up a lethal partnership with Yoane Wissa, combining for 39 league goals between them.

There is also a growing sense that Mbeumo is mentally stronger than in years past. He was previously seen as inconsistent, occasionally allowing frustration to affect his game. Now, with maturity and support from teammates like Wissa, he channels that competitive fire more productively.

Tottenham Ready to Pounce

Manchester United remain the frontrunners, but their negotiating stance could cost them. Brentford have no pressure to sell and are prepared to wait. Should United hesitate over payment terms or delay a second bid, Tottenham Hotspur are poised to make their move.

Frank’s appointment at Spurs changes the landscape entirely. A club once considered an outsider in this race is now a serious contender, aided by strong internal connections and a manager who understands precisely what Mbeumo can bring.