Napoli’s January plan: Mainoo top target, finances a hurdle | OneFootball

Napoli is looking at the January transfer market with attention and caution, fully aware of its needs but equally constrained by recent decisions. The midfield is under special observation, with one name that keeps coming back on the management’s notepad: Kobbie Mainoo.

Napoli, the January strategy between expectations and constraints: Mainoo remains the main target, but finances are holding things back

A profile that has been followed for months, almost six now, but the economic context requires thorough reflection.

The situation regarding Napoli’s winter transfer market

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Azzurri know they need to intervene in midfield, probably with one or two new signings. The need is clear, especially in light of André-Frank Anguissa’s injury, whose return will not be immediate. In fact, before the middle of the month, the Cameroonian is unlikely to be available, and January will bring a packed schedule: about thirty days and nine matches to face.

In this scenario, sporting director Giovanni Manna has started to move early, keeping several dossiers open but without forcing any deals that could compromise the club’s financial balance.

Mainoo-Napoli: a six-month-long courtship

The hottest name remains that of Kobbie Mainoo, Manchester United’s midfielder. Napoli has been following him for some time and considers him an ideal profile for his technical qualities, age, and room for growth. However, in Manchester, his playing time remains limited and the player does not seem satisfied with his opportunities.

A signal in this sense also came off the pitch, with a symbolic gesture from his brother in the stands at Old Trafford: a shirt with the words “free Mainoo”, displayed in front of photographers and cameras. A clear message, reflecting the entourage’s desire to find a solution.

Napoli would be a welcome destination, a club ready to welcome him and give him a central role. However, the deal could only materialize under certain conditions: a loan and the need to free up space in the squad before making a move.

The 200 million invested and the brake on operations

The real issue remains financial. Last summer, Napoli invested around 200 million euros, also committing to deals already projected towards June. This burden inevitably affects January’s strategies and suggests caution, avoiding impulsive or off-plan spending.

The club is aware of the numerical difficulties but intends to act only if truly sustainable opportunities arise.

Alternatives and postponed priorities

Among the monitored names is also Morten Frendrup of Genoa, a dynamic and reliable midfielder, considered as a possible alternative or complementary reinforcement. At the moment, however, there are no decisive accelerations.

As for other positions, such as right-back, the need is recognized but postponed. It is not an immediate priority and will be addressed later, when the context allows.

Mainoo as an opportunity, not an obligation

The summary is clear: if a concrete opening for Mainoo were to arise, Napoli would seize it without hesitation. “If there were a chance to get Mainoo, that would already be a lot,” is the sentiment coming from the Azzurri’s environment.

January, therefore, will not be a month of revolutions, but of considered choices. Napoli observes, evaluates, and waits: because calm, as the grandmothers used to say, truly remains the virtue of the strong.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.