Bryan Mbeumo to Manchester United will almost certainly be finalized in the near future. It has to happen.
United have already reportedly applied some self-inflicted pressure by wanting to finalize the deal before their preseason begins. Sure, it makes sense, but, come on, maybe get a move on?
Now, there's an added element of pressure. Last month, Lyall Thomas of Sky Sports reported that United were "admirers" of AFC Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo and were "keen" to sign him. The report noted that Mbeumo was their "priority target."
It felt like Semenyo was United's Plan B transfer target if they couldn't land Mbeumo, but that's no longer an option. Bournemouth announced this week that Semenyo has signed a new deal that keeps him with the Cherries until 2030.
Man United need to get the Mbeumo deal over the line with another target no longer available
Semenyo would've undoubtedly been a strong addition to United's attack. He scored 13 times with seven assists across all competitions for Bournemouth last season.
It won't matter if United sign Mbeumo, who is clearly the team's top choice. They likely never intended to sign both forwards, as they would play similar roles in Ruben Amorim's team.
Again, Mbeumo signing with United is seemingly becoming increasingly close, but nothing is ever guaranteed in football until it's finalized. Brentford are holding firm for United to meet their valuation.
There's just a little more pressure being applied with each passing day. The preseason is inching closer, and United ideally want their new signings to have already arrived and joined the squad by then, giving them time to settle and participate in the full slate of warmup games.
And as we've seen with Semenyo's new deal at Bournemouth, the longer United delay, the more potential transfer targets either sign elsewhere.
It's Mbeumo or bust for United. They need to get the deal over the line.