Manchester United possesses a gold mine more valuable than Aurelien Tchouameni.
With a valuation of 80 million euros, Bryan Mbeumo is not only the brightest star but also proves the success of INEOS's transfer strategy at Old Trafford.
Since INEOS Group took over Manchester United's football division, the club's transfer philosophy has shifted from flashy big names to more practical targets. Bryan Mbeumo is the prime example of this shift, as the Cameroonian striker's market value far exceeds that of the world's top stars the Red Devils are currently pursuing.
Bryan Mbeumo: INEOS's highly profitable investment.
Arriving at Old Trafford for a fee of £65 million after an impressive performance at Brentford, Mbeumo faced considerable skepticism. However, so far in the 2025/26 season, the 26-year-old striker has silenced all critics with his brilliant form. With 9 Premier League goals and a total of 10 goals across all competitions, Mbeumo has established himself as a key player in the Manchester United squad.
Notably, Mbeumo has always known how to shine in the most crucial moments. He has consistently scored at Anfield, Emirates, and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. In particular, his goal in the dramatic Manchester derby last January propelled his value to a new level. According to Transfermarkt, Mbeumo's current value has reached €80 million (approximately £69 million), the highest in the current Manchester United squad.
This figure officially surpasses the valuations of Aurelien Tchouameni (£64 million) and Carlos Baleba (£43 million) – two top targets that INEOS's scouting team is aiming for in the 2026 summer transfer window. This demonstrates the keen vision of the new management team in investing in a player who not only delivers immediate professional performance but also increases the club's long-term asset value.
The campaign to find Casemiro's successor.
Besides the resurgence of their attack, the midfield is a pressing issue that Manchester United needs to address. The anticipated departure of veteran Casemiro after this season will leave a huge void in terms of experience and composure. Despite being past his prime, the Brazilian star has contributed 8 goals in the Premier League this season, demonstrating his significant influence on the team's overall play.
In the shortlist to replace Casemiro, Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni has emerged as a top priority. Journalist Andy Mitten from The Athletic believes that Manchester United's acquisition of the French midfielder is entirely feasible. He was recommended by Ralf Rangnick four years ago, and now INEOS is working to finalize this signing to strengthen their midfield.
Tactical analysis: Why Tchouameni?
To understand why Manchester United covet Tchouameni, look at his superior statistics compared to Brighton's backup option, Carlos Baleba. In the 2025/26 season, the Real Madrid midfielder demonstrated dominance in almost all defensive and playmaking metrics:
| Statistical indicators | Aurelien Tchouameni | Carlos Baleba |
|---|---|---|
| Passing accuracy rate | 91% | 86% |
| Average tackles per game | 2.1 | 1.1 |
| The one-on-one dispute was successful. | 69% | 48% |
Tchouameni is not simply a defensive midfielder; he is a playmaking machine with exceptional situational awareness. With a successful tackle rate of 69%, the Frenchman is considered the ideal platform to support forwards like Mbeumo, giving them more space and confidence in attack.
The success of the Mbeumo signing has created a solid foundation of confidence for Manchester United fans. Under INEOS's leadership, the team is no longer a clumsy giant in the transfer market. Instead, it has adopted a squad-building strategy based on real values and in-depth data analysis, promising to bring the "Red Devils" back to their rightful place on the world football map.
