Kobbie Mainoo: United star in advanced talks to join Napoli in January | OneFootball

Kobbie Mainoo is yet to start a game for Manchester United in the Premier League this season. It was only a couple of seasons ago when the Red Devils were expected to rebuild their squad around the sensational young midfielder.

Mainoo rose through the ranks at the Theatre of Dreams and mesmerised fans after breaking onto the scenes under former manager Erik ten Hag.

He announced himself to the world in the 2023/24 FA Cup final against Manchester City, scoring in the 2-1 win. Such was his rise that Mainoo earned a place in England’s starting XI against Spain in the Euro 2024 final, which the Three Lions lost 2-1.

When Ruben Amorim took charge in November last year, the 20 year old was expected to become a mainstay in the Portuguese’s midfield. Unfortunately, Mainoo has since suffered a stark change in fortunes under the former Sporting manager.

Mainoo no longer indispensable at Old Trafford

Mainoo was afforded regular game time last season as Amorim tried to make do with the options at his disposal. However, a summer of attacking additions has prompted a reshuffle in the starting XI, leaving the Englishman as collateral damage.

With new signing Matheus Cunha operating in the left-forward role, Amorim has opted to deploy Bruno Fernandes alongside Casemiro in the pivot. Mainoo, consequently, has dropped to the bench.

The young midfielder was already concerned about his situation over the summer and reportedly asked to leave in search of regular game time. It is easy to see why, as the Englishman has clocked just 138 minutes of Premier League action, all of which were from the bench.

Source: Transfermarkt

Recent reports suggest that Napoli are plotting a loan move for Mainoo at the turn of the year, and it now appears that the player is also open to the move.

Mainoo ready to leave

According to TEAMtalk, Mainoo’s entourage are engaged in advanced talks with the Partenopei to facilitate his exit from the Theatre of Dreams.

Napoli are long-term admirers of the Englishman and view him as the ideal successor to Kevin De Bruyne. The Serie A champions also wanted the player in the summer, although United refused to let him go.

Napoli, however, have now stepped up their efforts to get their man. They are reportedly prepared to cover Mainoo’s weekly wages, believed to be around £45,000, as well as include a purchase option in a bid to convince the Premier League giants to sanction the deal.

The Italian giants are confident that, like Scott McTominay, the Englishman can be a success at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium. The report further suggests that the Red Devils have had a change of heart and are already discussing possible replacements for their academy graduate.

According to a source speaking to TEAMtalk: “If Kobbie goes, the door swings open for a new arrival – Ruben won’t lose a body without gaining one.”

United are likely to invest heavily in midfield in 2026, with Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson reportedly among the names on their agenda. As things stand, Mainoo’s time at Old Trafford could come to a surprising end next year.

Featured image Jan Kruger via Getty Images

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