Napoli make final decision over a winter move for Man United’s Kobbie Mainoo | OneFootball

Kobbie Mainoo will not be joining Napoli in January, according to fresh reports from Italy. Mainoo first burst onto the scene in the 2023–24 season, making his debut against Everton in a match where he claimed Man of the Match honours.

The Mainoo rise

From there, he embarked on a meteoric rise at Manchester United, missing only one of the club’s final 26 fixtures in the 2023–24 campaign.

His brilliance in United colours soon earned him a senior England call-up.

Just months after his United debut, he played a key role in the Three Lions’ UEFA Euro 2024 run. For sure, his brilliance at the heart of Gareth Southgate’s midfield proved pivotal for England reaching the final, though they ultimately fell 2–1 to Spain.

Heading into 2024–25, Mainoo was tipped to continue his resurgence. Yet injuries struck early, slowing his progress. To compound matters, Erik ten Hag’s departure and Ruben Amorim’s arrival left the youngster struggling to regain his rhythm.

He endured a nightmare of a season in the 2024–25 campaign.

Then came the 2025–26 season, when many expected his fortunes to change. However, they have not.

Struggle to nail down a spot

Amorim remains unconvinced about Mainoo, and the 20-year-old is still waiting for his first Premier League start of the season, restricted to cameo appearances.

For a player eager to refine his craft to remain in contention for the England World Cup squad, the struggle for game time is understandably frustrating. Unsurprisingly, reports have linked him with a January exit from Old Trafford, with Napoli initially emerging as the most determined suitor.

Having seen Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund revive their careers at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, Mainoo may well have imagined following suit. Yet just as he hoped to make the switch (even if in a loan deal), a disappointing update arrived from Italy.

Napoli end Mainoo pursuit

Transfer expert Luca Marchetti confirmed that Napoli no longer intend to pursue Mainoo in January.

“Unfortunately, the time isn’t right to bring Kobbie Mainoo to Italy before January to expedite his transfer, as Napoli would have liked,” Marchetti told Area Napoli.

He added, “Niclas Füllkrug is already in Italy to sign for AC Milan. For Mainoo too, the situation should have been resolved before Christmas: Manchester United refused, Napoli wanted to, but no agreement was reached.”

Marchetti went on to reveal that Napoli’s priorities have shifted: “Giovanni Manna, Napoli’s sporting director, won’t be signing any more midfielders. The reasoning was this: if Mainoo doesn’t arrive immediately, we might as well focus on other roles. With Anguissa returning on 15 January, it’s better to strengthen the attacking flanks rather than the centre of midfield.”

This development arguably strengthens United’s position. With suggestions they want to keep him, Napoli’s withdrawal makes Mainoo’s wish to leave more complicated, as they were his most serious suitor.

While another club could yet step forward, it remains unlikely United will sanction a winter departure, particularly with Bruno Fernandes set to be out for a month after picking up an injury in the loss to Villa.

Chance to reestablish himself at United

If Mainoo can shake off the minor calf injury that kept him out against Villa, he may yet force his way into Amorim’s plans (replacing Fernandes in midfield).

In that case, Napoli’s snub could prove irrelevant, and his United story might take a fresh turn.

Featured image Jan Kruger via Getty Images

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