Manchester United Slaps Hefty Price Tag on Rising Star Kobbie Mainoo Amid January Transfer Buzz
Manchester United may permit Kobbie Mainoo to move to Napoli on a temporary basis in January, provided there's no buying clause included in the arrangement, as per recent reports.
Mainoo has found it difficult to secure regular playing opportunities following Ruben Amorim's appointment and was keen to depart Old Trafford temporarily during the summer transfer window to gain more match experience. Real Madrid are reportedly among the interested parties, though Napoli appears to be the midfielder's favored choice.
The Serie A title holders have previously revitalized Scott McTominay and Rasmus Højlund from their underwhelming spells in Manchester, with the latter joining on a temporary deal from United during the summer, and Antonio Conte appears determined to acquire another of the Red Devils' peripheral squad members.
As reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, Napoli continue to pursue Mainoo's signature on loan this winter, with the club's sporting director, Giovanni Manna, having monitored the United prospect "for an extended period".
With Mainoo determined to secure a place in England's 2026 FIFA World Cup roster but continuing to find regular starting positions elusive at Old Trafford, the report indicates that "the transfer could materialize" if Napoli agree to terms without any purchase option or commitment.
Mainoo is reportedly "dissatisfied" and "advocating for a January departure", with Napoli eager to strengthen their midfield as they aim to retain their Serie A title and remain competitive in the Champions League.
The 20-year-old has only been given one starting opportunity for the Red Devils this campaign in the disappointing Carabao Cup second round loss to Grimsby Town. In Premier League action, he's featured in merely five fixtures totaling 113 minutes of play.
Amorim appears to have reservations about Mainoo in his dual-midfielder system, showing preference for Casemiro or Manuel Ugarte as Bruno Fernandes's midfield companion. A January loan spell might potentially reinvigorate the talented young player.