BREAKING: Manchester United’s Pursuit of Bryan Mbeumo in Jeopardy as Brentford Receive New Offer for Yoane Wissa 😔🔴
Manchester United’s summer transfer strategy has taken a hit as their efforts to sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford face an unexpected and serious setback. According to sources close to the situation, Brentford have just received a new and improved bid from Nottingham Forest for Yoane Wissa — and it’s throwing United’s plans into disarray. 🤯
The Bees, already reluctant to lose both of their dynamic forwards in the same transfer window, are now strongly reconsidering their stance on Mbeumo. With Wissa potentially on his way out, Mbeumo’s proposed switch to Old Trafford is hanging by a thread.
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🔄 The Chain Reaction: Forest’s Bid for Wissa Shakes Up United’s Plans
Nottingham Forest, eager to bolster their attack ahead of the 2025–26 Premier League campaign, have reportedly tabled a £27 million bid for Yoane Wissa. The DR Congo international has long been admired for his pace, versatility, and eye for goal — traits that Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo sees as essential in reshaping his forward line.
This bid, however, has created a domino effect in the market. Brentford, known for their strategic planning and firm stance on player sales, are now unwilling to part with both Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo in the same window. That means a potential Mbeumo-to-United deal — which was previously seen as promising — is suddenly in serious doubt.
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🧠 Why Manchester United Wanted Mbeumo
United’s interest in Bryan Mbeumo isn’t random. Erik ten Hag is looking to revamp his forward options, especially with the uncertain futures of Marcus Rashford and Antony. Mbeumo offers something different: a hardworking wide forward who can also operate centrally, pressing with intensity and offering consistent end-product.
Mbeumo scored 9 goals and provided 6 assists last season despite missing a chunk of the campaign due to injury. When fit, he was Brentford’s most dangerous attacking weapon, often leading the line in Ivan Toney’s absence. His intelligence in positioning, ability to link play, and energy off the ball have made him a favorite not just at Brentford, but also among Premier League scouts.
Erik ten Hag sees Mbeumo as a player who fits seamlessly into his system — a flexible attacker who can contribute immediately and raise the team’s off-the-ball work rate.
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⏳ The Deal That Was Nearly Done
Sources suggested that Manchester United had held positive preliminary talks with Mbeumo’s representatives and Brentford over a deal potentially worth £35 million. While personal terms weren’t expected to be an issue, Brentford had delayed finalizing anything as they assessed their overall transfer strategy for the window.
United were hopeful of progressing the deal this week, but Forest’s sudden and aggressive move for Wissa has changed everything.
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🐝 Brentford’s Stance: One Out, Not Two
Brentford are widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s most well-run clubs, with a data-driven approach to recruitment and squad management. However, that also means they’re deliberate when it comes to selling their key players — and they’re rarely bullied into making unbalanced moves.
Now, with Wissa possibly heading to the City Ground, Brentford are drawing a clear line: they will not sanction both Wissa and Mbeumo’s exits this summer. The reasoning is simple — selling both would leave a massive hole in their frontline, especially with Ivan Toney’s future still unclear.
While Brentford have lined up some potential replacements, including talented Bundesliga winger Kevin Schade returning from injury, the club hierarchy views Mbeumo as essential for maintaining competitiveness next season.
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🤔 What This Means for Manchester United
United are now in a tricky position. They must decide whether to:
1. Accelerate negotiations and attempt to outbid Nottingham Forest for Wissa, hoping Brentford choose to keep Mbeumo instead.
2. Increase their offer for Mbeumo to tempt Brentford into reconsidering.
3. Switch targets and pursue an alternative winger or forward.
Given the tight financial parameters United are operating within this summer, a bidding war or a huge raise on the Mbeumo offer may not be feasible.
The club has already committed significant funds toward other priority targets, including a central midfielder and potentially a backup goalkeeper following André Onana’s injury.
This latest twist could force Ten Hag and his recruitment team to reassess their priorities quickly.
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🕵️♂️ Who Could United Target Instead?
If Mbeumo becomes unavailable, Manchester United are likely to pivot to one of the following names already on their watchlist:
Nico Williams (Athletic Club): A dynamic winger with elite dribbling ability, but his release clause is a steep €58 million.
Matías Soulé (Juventus): The Argentine winger had a breakout season at Frosinone and is available for around £30–35 million.
Michael Olise (Crystal Palace): Although previously linked, Olise is close to joining Bayern Munich and is likely off the table.
Johan Bakayoko (PSV): A pacey right-winger with great ball control, Bakayoko is valued at around £40 million, and has admirers across Europe.
All options would require careful budgeting and quick decisions — something United have been criticized for lacking in recent windows.
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🔁 Could There Be a Twist?
There remains a small chance that Brentford may try to hold off on a final decision until both United and Forest show their cards fully. In that case, Manchester United would need to act quickly, either by raising their offer or pushing Brentford to accept an incentivized deal (perhaps structured with add-ons).
Alternatively, if Forest’s move for Wissa stalls or is rejected, it could re-open the door for Mbeumo.
But time is not on United’s side — pre-season is underway, and Ten Hag is eager to integrate any new signings before the U.S. tour begins.
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💬 Fan Reaction
Unsurprisingly, fans are frustrated. United fans took to social media to vent:
> “Typical. We wait too long and now another club swoops in and blocks our move.”
“We need a plan B ASAP. Can’t go into the season with the same stale attack.”
“Mbeumo was perfect for us. We better not miss out entirely.”
Some fans also called for quicker action from the United board, citing the sluggishness of last summer’s window.
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📝 Conclusion
Manchester United’s pursuit of Bryan Mbeumo is now in serious doubt after Nottingham Forest’s move for Yoane Wissa. With Brentford unwilling to sell both stars, United face a decisive moment in their summer strategy.
Whether they can rescue the Mbeumo deal, pivot quickly to another target, or end up empty-handed will depend on how aggressively they act in the next 48–72 hours. With the new Premier League season fast approaching and squad reinforcements still needed, the pressure is now fully on Erik ten Hag and the United board to deliver.
Stay tuned — this saga is far from over. 👀📉
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