Bryan Mbeumo is certainly the biggest piece of transfer business done by Manchester United this summer, although there’s not much to choose from.
After a tedious process that involved multiple rejected bids, the Red Devils finally landed their man in a whopping £71 million deal.
United will pay an initial £65m plus an additional £6m in bonuses.
Mbeumo is a statement signing for United, coming off their worst season in more than half a century, but getting the deal over the line was the furthest thing from simple.
Negotiations dragged on for 44 days. There were twists, tension, rumours, and attempted hijacks, with Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United entering the fray later on.
There were even whispers that Arsenal were looking to join the party, but Mbeumo had his priorities straight since the transfer saga began.
From the moment United made their first offer, the Cameroon international had his heart set on a move to Old Trafford.
The back-and-forth between Brentford and United tested patience on all sides, with reports claiming that the Bees were trying to steer Mbeumo towards signing for Spurs or Newcastle instead.
However, he remained focused, calm, confident, and professional throughout the process.
“No [I never feared it would not happen],” he told The National. “I always trust the people around me, and I was convinced that it was going to happen.”
While on holiday, Mbeumo tried to switch off, knowing that any deal would take some time. His future was still up in the air when he returned for pre-season at Brentford, but he never doubted the outcome.
“The transfer windows can be long, they can be short. So you have to be patient, and just try to keep thinking positively about things,” he added.
“I just wanted to rest mentally and physically. If it was going to happen, it was going to happen.”
Mbeumo was always clear that he wanted to join United, but he still kept an open mind.
He spoke with Tottenham boss Thomas Frank, who was keen to reunite with him in North London after bringing him to England and turning him into a goalscoring machine.
He also spoke to Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe. Both clubs could offer him Champions League football, but he only wanted United.
“Of course, I spoke to some other managers because I wanted to hear their projects, but the Manchester United one was very good for me,” he said.
“I think I’m someone who likes a challenge. There is a very good project in Manchester and I wanted to be part of it. Manchester is a big club. I think it’s a great opportunity.”