Man Utd in talks to land “exceptional” £60m ace

Manchester United have been constantly pursuing a move for Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo throughout this summer window, but it appears their persistence has finally paid off.

The Red Devils managed to agree a deal with the Bees for the 25-year-old forward, in a move that could reach up to £71m should all the add-ons be reached in the future.

There’s no denying that it’s a huge fee for a player who’s only had one top-level season in the Premier League, but it highlights the ambition shown by the board this window.

The Cameroonian international registered 20 league goals last time around, over two times more than any player within Ruben Amorim’s side that finished the 2024/25 campaign.

However, despite agreeing to such a hefty sum for the forward, the hierarchy appear to be continuing their hunt for added reinforcements, including the signing of one player who could prove to be a better addition than that of Mbeumo.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer

Emiliano Martínez is one high-profile signing United are looking to complete during this summer’s market, with the Aston Villa shot-stopper available for a fee in the region of just £21m.

It’s been reported that the player himself would be keen on a move to Old Trafford, potentially taking advantage of Villa’s PSR situation, which could require player sales before the end of the window.

However, another player has emerged as a potential target for the Red Devils during the off-season, with RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons on their radar, according to Sport via Sport Witness.

They claim that higher-ups from United have already had meetings with the Dutch international’s representatives over a possible transfer before the September 1st deadline.

It also states they aren’t alone in their hunt for the 22-year-old, with Chelsea also firmly in the race for his signature, leading to a £60m price tag being mooted.

Why United’s £60m target would be a better signing than Mbeumo

Given his tally of goals last season, it’s no surprise that a deal for Mbeumo would excite the fanbase, subsequently handing Amorim the clinical talent he’s lacked in attacking areas since arriving.

However, the 25-year-old mainly operated in a wide right role at Brentford last season, a position which he won’t be able to occupy at Old Trafford, given the manager’s 3-4-2-1 system.

It’s already confirmed that he won’t be utilised as a striker, leaving the Cameroonian to play in one of the two number ten positions behind the striker, potentially partnering Matheus Cunha in providing the goods.

Such a deal could prove to be a risk, splashing serious money on a player and utilising him in a slightly unfamiliar role, especially considering the other options available this summer.

As seen by their attempts to convince Simons to join the club, the club have been targeting countless options, with the Dutchman a much bigger talent than Mbeumo.

He’s a younger star, subsequently having the potential to explode into an elite-level talent in the years ahead and would’ve even been a cheaper deal given his £60m valuation placed on his shoulders by the Bundesliga outfit.

However, when comparing his stats to those of the pending new arrival, he managed to outperform him in multiple areas, highlighting why he’d be a better signing for Amorim’s system.

Simons, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by OptaJohan, may have been outscored, but did manage to post a better goal per shot on target rate than Mbeumo, showcasing he’s more clinical with the chances he’s presented with in front of goal.

He also completed more key passes per 90, along with more progressive passes per 90, having the end product to allow those ahead of him to find the back of the net – a crucial component for any number ten in the modern game.

The Leipzig star’s dominance doesn’t stop there, completing more take-ons per 90, highlighting the ability he possesses with the ball at his feet, offering a more all-round threat than United’s soon-to-be £71m signing.

Given the difference in figures produced and the price tags between the pair, it’s evident that a deal for Simons would be a better signing for the Red Devils this summer.

Both players possess a lot of talent, but ultimately, if the club are to reach the next level in the years ahead, they need to be making the correct calls in the market, something which they’ve failed to do once again if they land Mbeumo over Simons.

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