Manchester United have completed the long-awaited signing of Brentford striker Bryan Mbeumo, taking the transfer fee to £71m (€81m).
Almost seven weeks after their first bid was rejected, the Red Devils eventually got their man and the 25-year-old has signed a contract until 2030 with the option of a further year.
Mbeumo is leaving Brentford for an initial fee of £65m (€74m), which could increase by a further £6m if certain team and player conditions are met, according to the PA news agency.
“As soon as I heard about the opportunity to join Manchester United, I knew I had to take the chance and sign for my dream club, the team I supported as a kid,” the Cameroonian footballer said.
“My mindset is to always strive to be better than I was yesterday. I am confident that I have the spirit and character to take it to the next level, learning from Ruben Amorim and playing alongside world-class players.
“Everyone has told me about the atmosphere here and the exciting plans for the future. It's a great club with a fantastic stadium and great fans and we are all determined to compete for major trophies.”
Mbeumo will join United on their three-match pre-season tour of the United States, where Ruben Amorim's side head for another training session on Tuesday.
Sporting director Jason Wilcox said: “Brian's record for Premier League goals and assists is impressive and his outstanding consistency has made him one of England's most prolific players over the last three seasons.”
“Brian’s belief in our project and his desire to join the club showed that he is a perfect fit for Manchester United and the culture we are developing.
We are delighted to have secured another of our top targets ahead of the pre-season tour. The US experience will be a great opportunity for Brian to work with Ruben and his new teammates in preparation for what will be an exciting season ahead.”
Mbeumo was a key summer target for the Red Devils, who made a first bid of £45m plus £10m in possible add-ons in early June.
A few weeks later, United put forward an improved offer in excess of £60 million, but negotiations stalled as Brentford insisted on more.
The west London club's sporting director Phil Giles said in late June he “wouldn't be too surprised” if Mbeumo stayed, but the impasse was finally broken late last week.
Sources said United bosses were unhappy with the way negotiations were going, with the valuation occasionally changing and at one point a price of £70m plus £7m being mentioned.
Tottenham, now managed by former Brentford manager Thomas Frank, have expressed interest in a summer transfer for Mbeumo, with sources indicating Newcastle, Arsenal and Chelsea have also shown varying degrees of interest.
Giles paid tribute to Mbeumo on the Bees website on Monday evening, writing: “Brian came to us as a teenager and it has been a pleasure for us all to watch him develop as a player and a person.
“Our fans loved him and he was part of some of our best days.
“There comes a time for every player to move on and for Brian that time is now. He has the opportunity to move to one of the biggest clubs in the world and we are very happy for him.”
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
