‘A real target’: Italian journalist confirms new demands set for Man United to complete £43.7m deal in Jan

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·27 novembre 2025

‘A real target’: Italian journalist confirms new demands set for Man United to complete £43.7m deal in Jan

Napoli retain their interest in Kobbie Mainoo heading into the January transfer window.

Back in the summer, the Serie A champions touched base with Manchester United to gauge the feasibility of taking Mainoo on loan after he had expressed his desire to leave.

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What happened with Mainoo over the summer?

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It came in the final week of the window, with the midfielder disgruntled that he had been left on the bench for the opening two matches of the Premier League campaign.

However, Red Devils chiefs stepped in to block the move, informing Mainoo that he was expected to stay put and fight for his role.

Fast-forward three months, and the youngster is still navigating essentially the same situation.

He has not started in the league since 2025/2026 got underway. Instead, he is utilised sparingly off the bench to see out games.

The fact that United have only one game a week to account for this term doesn’t bode well at all for fringe players such as Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee, both of whom have been heavily linked with mid-campaign departures.

The latest on Mainoo to Napoli

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A move to Naples would undoubtedly entice Mainoo, given they’re well in the mix to retain their title next year and he’d have the chance to ply his trade in the Champions League.

As well as that, he’d be reuniting with former teammates Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund, who’ve both enjoyed revived form since making the switch abroad.

There is work to do if a deal is to materialise, though, as Napoli are currently unwilling to meet United’s demands.

Journalist Enrico De Lellis (via CalcioBlog) shed some light on the situation this week, saying: “In midfield, Mainoo is a real target. United are asking for a no-obligation loan or €50 million (£43.7m). Neither option is worthwhile for Napoli.”