Manchester City's owners reportedly gain advantage due to Manchester United's £71 million Bryan Mbeumo transaction.
City Football Group Set to Benefit from Bryan Mbeumo's Transfer to Manchester United
Bryan Mbeumo's move to Manchester United this month could provide a significant financial boost to City Football Group (CFG), the organisation that controls Troyes, where Mbeumo started his professional career.
Troyes, a club owned by CFG, developed Mbeumo from the age of 14 and could receive a substantial amount from his sale to Manchester United, thanks to a sell-on clause. This clause, a common practice in transfers involving smaller clubs that develop talent, is likely to have been included in Mbeumo's move from Troyes to Brentford in 2019.
The exact percentage of the sell-on clause is not publicly detailed, but it is standard practice in such transfers. When Brentford sold Mbeumo to Manchester United for a club-record fee of up to £71 million, Troyes would receive a percentage of the transfer fee, indirectly benefiting CFG.
Brentford, too, made a profit from the sale, as it was a club-record transfer, while CFG’s Troyes gains through the sell-on arrangement. This means that CFG benefits financially from the transfer, even though the player moved directly between two unrelated English clubs.
The financial situation in French football is challenging, with several clubs, including Ligue 1 stalwarts Olympique Lyonnais, reporting difficulties. In contrast, CFG's revenue is close to £1 billion, with £700 million coming from Manchester City. Therefore, the €9 million from Mbeumo's sale to Manchester United is unlikely to have a significant impact on CFG's finances.
However, the money could provide a much-needed financial boost to Troyes, given the challenges in French football. Troyes also stands to receive €2 million in training compensation as part of the deal, further benefiting the club.
Mbeumo spent six years with Brentford before his move to Manchester United. During his time at Brentford, he scored 20 Premier League goals and provided 7 assists last season, making him a valuable asset to the team. He was also a transfer target for Newcastle and Tottenham Hotspur, demonstrating his potential and market value.
City Football Group's control extends beyond Troyes and Manchester United, as they also control Manchester United's city rivals. This move further cements their position as a dominant force in English football. Olympique Lyonnais, who were demoted to the second tier this summer due to their financial difficulties, may also benefit indirectly from Mbeumo's sale, as the funds could potentially be reinvested in the football ecosystem.
The transfer of Bryan Mbeumo to Manchester United could indirectly benefit City Football Group (CFG), as they own Troyes, the club where Mbeumo started his career. The sell-on clause included in Mbeumo's move from Troyes to Brentford could yield a substantial amount for CFG, given the club-record fee Manchester United paid for Mbeumo. This influx of funds could provide a much-needed financial boost to Troyes, given the challenges in French football, and could potentially be reinvested in the football ecosystem, such as Olympique Lyonnais, who are facing their own financial difficulties.
