Tottenham have missed out on several promising transfer targets over the years, but one of the most glaring recent missteps was last summer when chairman Daniel Levy gave up on signing Désiré Doué.
Since then, the French star has doubled his market value and played a key role in PSG’s Champions League triumph—rubbing salt in the wound for Spurs supporters.
Fans are now hoping history won’t repeat itself this summer. The club has already stumbled out of the gate by delaying the sacking of Ange Postecoglou, which in turn delayed Thomas Frank’s appointment.
This sluggish transition has left the new manager playing catch-up in the transfer market, potentially costing Spurs top signings.
One such casualty was Rayan Cherki, who has already sealed a move to Manchester City. And now, Frank’s top transfer target—Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo—may also slip through Tottenham’s fingers due to the ground lost during the managerial limbo.
According to Sky Sports editor Lyall Thomas and reporter Dharmesh Sheth, Manchester United remain unconcerned about Spurs’ renewed push for Mbeumo, even after Frank’s arrival in North London.
Despite Tottenham intensifying their pursuit, United don’t currently view the North London side as a serious threat in the race for the 25-year-old forward.
While speculation has suggested a verbal agreement between Manchester United and Bryan Mbeumo, Sky Sports now reports that the Brentford star is “leaning” towards a move to Old Trafford.
Even before Thomas Frank’s appointment at Tottenham, Mbeumo had already identified United as his preferred Premier League destination—despite other clubs, including Spurs, showing interest.
Frank’s arrival briefly gave Tottenham hope of reuniting with the 25-year-old forward, but that optimism seems to be fading.
According to Sky Sports, it’s now uncertain whether Spurs will even submit a fresh bid for Mbeumo or instead shift their focus to alternative targets—most notably Bournemouth’s rising right-wing talent Antoine Semenyo.
It would be a disappointing blow if Tottenham fail to seriously contend for Mbeumo, especially considering the winger’s outstanding return of 20 goals and 7 assists last season—far outpacing Spurs’ current attacking output.
Still, “leaning” is not a done deal. But if Tottenham continue to adopt a passive approach in the transfer market—seemingly unwilling to challenge clubs like United—it could once again leave fans frustrated.
Especially after watching their team outplay United in the Europa League Final, Spurs supporters might expect more ambition than settling for second-choice signings without putting up a real fight.
