Napoli have received a major boost in their quest to sign Kobbie Mainoo in January, as Manchester United have reportedly lowered their guard.
The 20-year-old is widely considered one of the best players to emerge from the club’s academy in recent years. However, he has been reduced to a mere benchwarmer under Ruben Amorim’s watch.
The Portuguese manager identified Mainoo as the understudy for Bruno Fernandes. But while the club captain has been omnipresent in the lineup, the young Englishman has yet to start a Premier League fixture this season.
Man Utd willing to negotiate Kobbie Mainoo deal with Napoli
Frustrated with the lack of playing time, Mainoo is desperate to seal a move away from Carrington in January, and rescue his remaining World Cup hopes. He had already requested a loan move at the end of August, but to no avail.
| Mainoo’s playing time in EPL this season | Minutes |
| Arsenal | 0 |
| Fulham | 0 |
| Burnley | 45 |
| Man City | 28 |
| Chelsea | 3 |
| Brentford | 24 |
| Sunderland | 13 |
| Liverpool | 5 |
| Brighton | 20 |
| Nottingham Forest | 0 |
| Total | 138 |
In recent weeks, Napoli, who had already pursued the player in the summer, rekindled their interest in Mainoo, especially following Kevin De Bruyne’s injury.
But while MUFC were reportedly keen to maintain the youngster, Sky Sport Switzerland journalist Sacha Tavolieri reveals that INEOS have now adopted a more lenient stance.
The source claims that Man Utd owners could be open to sending Mainoo away on loan, with the possibility of adding an option or an obligation to buy under certain conditions.
Moreover, the Red Devils would prefer to send Mainoo abroad rather than allowing him to join another Premier League.
Why Napoli & Mainoo could be a perfect match
Man Utd’s reported stance is music to the ears of Napoli, who will be delighted to welcome Mainoo to the Stadio Maradona.
Antonio Conte has already lost De Bruyne’s services, possibly until the end of the season, while Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa could join Cameroon’s squad for the African Cup of Nations next month, which would leave the Partenopei with a depleted midfield department.
Between Scott McTominay’s heroics last season, and Rasmus Hojlund’s ongoing revival, Napoli has become a haven for Man Utd stars seeking relevance. Hence, Mainoo will certainly be encouraged by his former teammates’ success stories in Southern Italy.
Make him sign a new contract and then loan him out. We will need him when Armorin get let go, what would great for Man U
United should loan Kobbie out to a Premier League club. He will gain more experience in the league and return to the midfield for 26/27 alongside Elliot Anderson (hopefully) when Bruno is sold to Saudi for 80+ million at the end of this season.
That’s just what Man United needs to do right now, cos they will need them in future as best combo.
Mainoo will play most of the games after Xmas if he stays at united… he is the future.