Manchester United have finally landed the signature of Bryan Mbeumo, after a pursuit that felt as though it lasted a lifetime, even having two previous bids rejected.
The Cameroonian joins the Red Devils in a £71m deal which includes add-ons, surpassing the fee paid for Matheus Cunha from Wolves earlier this summer.
Such a deal has made him one of the most expensive transfers in the club’s history, placing huge expectations on his shoulders to be a success at Old Trafford.
However, he does arrive with a decent pedigree after netting 20 Premier League goals last campaign, in what was the best season of his professional career to date.
The fanbase will be hoping he can replicate such form at the Theatre of Dreams next season, but he may be joined by other players to help Ruben Amorim in his quest for success.
The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer
Over the last couple of days, United have once again been linked with a move for Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson in an attempt to strengthen their forward line ahead of 2025/26.
The Senegalese international registered 13 goals across all competitions last season, but would be an extremely expensive addition, with the Blues demanding £80m for his signature.
However, other areas of the pitch are also in need of investment, with Aston Villa shot-stopper Emi Martinez now seen as a viable target, according to the Daily Mail.
They claim that the Red Devils have already had a loan offer for the Argentine rejected after talks at the weekend, and are expected to return with a permanent offer for the 32-year-old.
It also states that the player himself would be keen on a move to Old Trafford, with Unai Emery’s side currently demanding a fee in the region of £40m to sell the former Arsenal star.
Why United’s £40m target would be a better signing than Mbeumo
There’s no denying that Mbeumo is an excellent signing, especially if he can repeat the feats he achieved during his time at Brentford throughout 2024/25.
However, he’s set to operate in one of the two attacking roles behind the striker, a position that is somewhat unnatural given he featured off the right-hand side for the Bees.
Such a move would also see captain Bruno Fernandes drop into a deeper position, possibly restricting him from replicating his figures from last season, which saw him register 37 goal contributions.
Also, given the addition of Cunha within the attacking department, his signing may not have been needed, with other areas of the pitch desperately lacking quality.
Goalkeeper Andre Onana has been prone to mistakes during his time in England, notching seven errors that led to goals throughout 2024/25, costing the side in numerous key moments.
The Cameroonian also remains on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, leaving Altay Bayindir as the most senior option ahead of the start of the new season.
Such scenarios have seen Martinez be linked with a move to join United this summer, providing an upgrade on the options currently at Amorim’s disposal.
Games played
37
34
Goals conceded
1.2
1.3
Saves made
4
3.7
Save percentage
70%
68%
Pass accuracy
78%
72%
Long pass accuracy
49%
36%
Penalty save percentage
50%
25%
Crosses claimed
1.6
0.6
The Argentine, who’s been labelled “world-class” by Mauricio Pochettino, managed to make more saves per 90, along with a better save percentage – offering a more commanding presence between the sticks.
He also completed more of the passes he attempted, handing Amorim the option for his side to play out from the back should he desire such a playstyle in 2025/26.
£40m for a player of his calibre would be an excellent price, massively bolstering one area of the pitch that has been an issue over the last few months.
If he can transfer his form across to Manchester with him ahead of next season, it would be a phenomenal signing and one that could prove to be more important than Mbeumo.
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