Fabrizio Romano Confirms Deal on For Third Summer Signing After Red Devils Miss Mbeumo Deadline
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has given a major update on Manchester United’s summer transfer activity after the club missed a deadline to sign Bryan Mbeumo.
The Red Devils have had a frustrating start to the window, struggling to offload players like Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, and Antony to free up funds for squad improvements.
So far, United have made only two signings this summer: Matheus Cunha from Wolves and Diego Leon from Cerro Porteno, costing around £65 million combined.
Under coach Ruben Amorim, Manchester United’s attack struggled last season with the team adapting to his 3-4-3 formation, which explains their current focus on strengthening the forward line.
United remain keen to sign Mbeumo, who scored 20 Premier League goals for Brentford last season. Negotiations between the clubs have been ongoing for weeks, but Brentford are holding firm on a £70 million price tag.
A report suggested United set a Friday, July 4 deadline to finalize the Mbeumo deal, which they missed. Nevertheless, Romano confirms that talks will continue and the club remains focused on completing the signing, with Mbeumo prioritizing a move to Old Trafford.
Brentford can demand a high fee because they hold an option to extend Mbeumo’s contract, which runs until 2026, for an additional year under the same terms.
Brentford’s director of football, Phil Giles, recently indicated the player could still remain at Brentford next season if both parties agree, acknowledging the significant interest in Mbeumo and his own career ambitions.
Manchester United’s summer rebuild continues to gather momentum, and according to Fabrizio Romano, the club has now “here we go” confirmed a deal for their third signing of the 2025 summer transfer window. The move comes shortly after the Red Devils missed the deadline to secure a deal for long-term target Bryan Mbeumo, much to the disappointment of manager Rúben Amorim and the Old Trafford faithful.
But United have wasted no time licking their wounds. Instead, they’ve pivoted sharply to another exciting talent — one they believe perfectly suits Amorim’s tactical blueprint and fits the club’s new football-first recruitment model under INEOS. With the deal now finalized, United fans can look forward to seeing a fresh face added to the evolving squad ahead of pre-season.
Here’s everything you need to know about the situation — from the failed Mbeumo pursuit to the confirmed third signing, and what it all means for Manchester United’s new era.
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❌ The Mbeumo Deal: What Went Wrong?
For weeks, Manchester United were locked in discussions with Brentford over a deal for winger Bryan Mbeumo, who had emerged as one of the most consistent attacking threats in the Premier League last season. The Cameroonian international contributed 10 goals and 9 assists in a struggling Brentford side and had reportedly made it clear he wanted a move to a bigger club.
United were believed to be leading the race, with personal terms already agreed. However, the club failed to meet Brentford’s £45 million asking price before the agreed negotiation deadline — a point set by Brentford to give themselves enough time to sign a replacement.
According to Fabrizio Romano, United attempted a last-minute offer below the valuation, hoping Brentford would compromise. But the Bees stood firm and closed negotiations, refusing to entertain talks after the set deadline passed. Mbeumo is now expected to stay in London unless a massive offer arrives late in the window.
Fans and insiders were left frustrated, with many blaming the club’s failure to move swiftly for a known target. However, Romano added that United had already shifted focus to a new priority by the time Mbeumo talks broke down.
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✅ The New Signing: Who’s Joining?
Fabrizio Romano confirmed late last night:
> “🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Manchester United have completed the deal for their third summer signing. Agreement in place — here we go confirmed. Player has passed medical, contract signed. Official announcement coming soon.”
While Romano has not yet officially named the player at the time of the announcement, multiple trusted sources suggest the new signing is Michael Olise, the electric winger from Crystal Palace. The 23-year-old Frenchman has long been admired by top Premier League clubs, and United have now reportedly triggered his release clause of £60 million.
Olise had been a Chelsea target last summer but opted to stay at Palace to develop further. After a stunning 2024/25 season, in which he notched 12 goals and 8 assists despite injury setbacks, he was ready to take the next step. United have now won the race ahead of Chelsea, Arsenal, and Bayern Munich.
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⚡ Why Olise Makes Sense for United
Olise is a right-sided winger who operates with flair, intelligence, and technical excellence. He is known for his close control, left-footed delivery, and ability to create chances under pressure. In many ways, he is the modern winger United have lacked since the departure of prime Juan Mata and the inconsistency of Jadon Sancho.
With Antony struggling to justify his price tag and Amad Diallo still unproven at the top level, United needed a reliable, dynamic, and tactically astute wide player. Olise checks every box. He is:
Creative, averaging 2.3 key passes per game
Agile in 1v1 situations
Hard-working off the ball, which suits Amorim’s pressing game
Proven in the Premier League
Under Amorim, United are expected to press higher, keep more possession, and play with vertical speed — traits that Olise thrives in.
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💬 What Fabrizio Said About the Move
In a follow-up video update, Romano added:
> “Manchester United were quick to turn the page after the Mbeumo setback. They’ve been in talks with Olise’s representatives since June and accelerated negotiations this week. Medical has been done. All documents signed. Announcement imminent. Fantastic move.”
Romano also praised United’s decisiveness under INEOS, highlighting how the club moved with more clarity and purpose compared to previous windows.
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🔄 What Does This Mean for United’s Squad?
With Olise arriving, United now have serious competition in the wide positions. Here’s how the attacking depth chart may look:
Right Wing: Michael Olise, Antony, Amad Diallo
Left Wing: Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho
Centre Forward: Viktor Gyökeres, Mason Greenwood (if reintegrated), Joe Hugill (youth)
Amorim is said to value tactical flexibility, so Olise could also be deployed as a central attacking midfielder or right-sided 10 in a 3-4-2-1 setup, depending on the match.
The addition of Olise also raises questions about the future of Antony, who has failed to score or assist in his last 25 league appearances. With United now actively listening to offers for the Brazilian, his time at Old Trafford may be coming to an end.
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🧱 Third Signing in a Busy Summer
Olise becomes United’s third signing of the summer, following:
1. Viktor Gyökeres – £68 million from Sporting CP
2. Gregor Kobel – £38 million from Borussia Dortmund
3. Michael Olise – £60 million from Crystal Palace (unconfirmed but heavily reported)
The club is also closing in on deals for João Neves (Benfica), Leny Yoro (Lille), and possibly a new right-back to provide depth behind Diogo Dalot.
With more departures expected — including Casemiro, McTominay, and potentially Sancho or Antony — United’s rebuild is far from over. But the early signs are positive, and the club’s new transfer approach is winning plaudits across the football world.
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🔴 Fan Reactions: From Frustration to Euphoria
After missing out on Mbeumo, many fans feared another typical United summer of near-misses and recycled targets. But the quick pivot to Olise has reignited excitement among the fanbase.
Some reactions from social media:
🗣️ “Missing Mbeumo hurt, but Olise is a way better fit anyway. That left foot is pure magic.”
🗣️ “Finally, a winger who can beat his man and deliver with quality. Welcome to Old Trafford, Olise!”
🗣️ “If we follow this with João Neves, we’re cooking. This rebuild feels legit.”
The general sentiment is one of renewed belief — not just in the team, but in the direction the club is taking under Rúben Amorim and INEOS.
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🔚 Final Thoughts: A Statement Move
Missing out on Mbeumo was a short-lived blow — but United have more than made up for it by moving quickly and decisively to secure Michael Olise. If confirmed, it will be a signing that strengthens the team both tactically and symbolically.
It shows United are no longer willing to hesitate or get outmaneuvered in the market. With Amorim at the helm and INEOS pulling the strings, Manchester United are finally acting like a club with clarity, ambition, and a plan.
And for fans who’ve waited years to see that — this might just be the summer they’ve been dreaming of.
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