Kobbie Mainoo is said to be open to leaving Manchester United on a permanent basis ‘for the first time’.
That’s according to the iPaper, which adds that the midfield starlet is attracting growing interest from a host of clubs across Europe, including ‘several’ in the English top flight.
🚨 January deals to watch 🚨
🔵 Semenyo to #mcfc wrapped up in 48 hours – £60m +5m to be paid over 18 months
⚫️ Joe Willock interest from three clubs – #nufc want Smit
🔴 Mainoo & Zirkzee future uncertainPlus #lfc, #mufc & what's expected. Read 👇 https://t.co/dGNxI4myX1
— Mark Douglas (@MsiDouglas) January 1, 2026
One of Mainoo’s most concrete suitors thus far is Napoli, who are expected to make a formal approach imminently in hopes of taking him on loan for the remainder of the term.
The move would see the player reunite with former teammates Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund, both of whom have revived their careers over in Italy.
United’s stance on Kobbie Mainoo this month
However, United will fully block any potential departure for Mainoo unless reinforcements can be sought beforehand.
Bruno Fernandes’ untimely injury layoff has left Ruben Amorim even more depleted in options after Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo and Noussair Mazraoui departed for the African Cup of Nations, while Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt and Mason Mount are also sidelined.
Mainoo himself has missed the last three matches through injury, which has paved the way for fellow outcast Manuel Ugarte to partner Casemiro in the middle of the park.
How Mainoo has fared this term
Prior to his setback, Mainoo had featured 11 times in the opening 16 Premier League games, with all of his cameos coming as a substitute.
The 20-year-old’s lack of action has been the driving force behind his desire to leave his boyhood club, having first requested to do so in the final week of the summer window.
His pleas fell on deaf ears back then, as he was ordered to stay and fight for his role under Amorim. Yet, since then, he has accumulated only 212 minutes on the pitch.
