Mbuemo's Price Rises, Manchester United Frustrated

Manchester United is still hoping to sign Mbemo before the team departs for the United States for training. If Amorim wants to fulfill his wish, he must reach an agreement with Brentford before next Tuesday. However, the Red Devils may face greater pressure in negotiations.

Brentford has rejected two offers from Manchester United, the first for £55 million and the second for £62.5 million. “The Little Bees” are demanding a fixed transfer fee of £62.5 million, the same as Cunha, while the Red Devils are only offering a maximum of £55 million, with the remainder being a floating clause subject to certain conditions. The opposing side argues that the payment terms are unrealistic and completely meaningless.

Manchester United insists they will only accept a fair price, while Brentford believes it is entirely reasonable for them to demand the same price as Cunha for Mbemo, who scored 20 goals and provided 8 assists last season. Both sides are at an impasse.

Since last month, Manchester United believed they were close to securing Mbemo. By the end of June, Manchester United's sporting director, Jason Wilcox, informed the club's owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, that Mbemo was set to join, and Brentford also privately stated that they expected the player to undergo a medical examination shortly. Manchester United knew that the £65 million price tag could be sold, but hoped to reduce expenses.

However, Brentford's managerial change altered the course. After Thomas Frank took over as Tottenham Hotspur manager, he invited Mbemo to join him at Tottenham Stadium, but the Cameroonian international wanted to fulfill his “childhood dream.” Mbemo changed agents last year to try to leave Brentford.

Mbemo's contract with Brentford expires in 2026, but Brentford has the option to extend it for another year, leaving two years remaining, and the club holds the initiative. Moreover, Mbemo has no intention of moving. If negotiations between the two clubs fail, he will remain with the team despite his unhappiness. Currently, he has joined the Little Bees' pre-season training camp.

The Guardian reports that Brentford has now increased Mbemo's valuation to £70 million, meaning the transfer fee remains at £62.5 million plus a floating clause of £7.5 million. This does not mean the deal will fail, but it will certainly make the negotiation process more complicated and time-consuming.