Where Could Kobbie Mainoo Land Next? Five Clubs Ready to Pounce
Kobbie Mainoo appeared set to become the next academy graduate to emerge from Manchester United's youth system and flourish as a star at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils were historically renowned for their ability to successfully nurture and cultivate homegrown talent, a capability they appear to have gradually lost touch with.
Mainoo received a call-up to Gareth Southgate's England squad for Euro 2024, ultimately securing a starting position in the Three Lions' midfield, yet less than a year later the 20-year-old finds himself battling for a place in a United side that plummeted to unprecedented lows last season.
This appears to be a matter of tactical approach versus individual ability, with Ruben Amorim unable to identify the perfect position for Mainoo within his struggling system. Consequently, the midfielder is prepared to depart Man Utd during the final week of the transfer window.
Surprisingly, the club is also receptive to this possibility, so here are five potential landing spots for Mainoo before the summer deadline.
1. Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs fans were intrigued when Mainoo shared a nostalgic Instagram photo of himself wearing a retro Spurs jersey to mark his 20th birthday.
How the Stockport-born Mainoo came to possess Tottenham's away strip from 1996–97 remains a mystery, though some interpreted it as evidence that the versatile midfielder was, as supporters say, "genuinely COYS".
The prospect of Mainoo donning Lilywhite seemed impossible not long ago, but the shifting circumstances in Manchester, coupled with Tottenham's midfield requirements, means an unexpected late-summer transfer shouldn't be completely dismissed.
Mainoo may not be a creative force like Morgan Gibbs-White or Eberechi Eze, but he excels at ball manipulation with exceptional creative qualities. The 20-year-old is an innovative problem-solver in possession and an exceptional ball-carrier in tight spaces. He's not the transitional player Thomas Frank seeks, nor the deep-lying distributor Spurs require, but Mainoo addresses a specific gap in the Dane's midfield, and we know the Lilywhites have £60 million ($80.8 million) available to spend.
2. Chelsea
Chelsea reportedly showed interest in Mainoo during January, and they can never be discounted from any transfer pursuit. BlueCo are accumulating players as if they're completing a Panini sticker collection without a guide.
The Blues don't strictly require Mainoo, but when has that deterred them previously? Their chase for Xavi Simons is losing momentum, with Barcelona's Fermín López emerging as the alternative target.
Chelsea are therefore seeking another creative midfielder of sorts, and while Mainoo isn't a natural No. 10, he possesses the ability to fulfill various roles within Maresca's system that relies on midfield formations and central progression. Mainoo could function alongside Moisés Caicedo in a deeper role, or combine with players like Cole Palmer and João Pedro in attacking positions.
This appears to be the type of setting where the England international would flourish.
3. Roma
Gian Piero Gasperini also employs a 3-4-3 formation, and Amorim has been reluctant to deploy Mainoo in his midfield partnership. The Englishman lacks exceptional athleticism and can be caught failing to track runners, but his strengths significantly outweigh his weaknesses.
There's no justification for why Mainoo cannot excel in a comparable system elsewhere. However, it must be noted that Gasperini's version of the 3-4-3 differs dramatically from Amorim's approach.
His project is compelling, and the Giallorossi appear to be entering a fresh era. Club captain Lorenzo Pellegrini is departing, and Gasperini could construct his midfield around an incredibly promising partnership featuring Mainoo and Manu Koné.
A permanent move is improbable this summer, but Roma might consider a loan arrangement.
4. Brighton and Hove Albion
Manchester United desire to acquire Carlos Baleba. This became evident this summer, but they were never going to meet Brighton's substantial asking price.
Nevertheless, perhaps the Seagulls would be interested if Man Utd offered Mainoo as part of the transaction. Amorim clearly rates the ball-carrying and athletic Baleba higher than the academy product, and the Red Devils are expected to make a more determined effort for the Brighton midfielder in 2026.
If they're prepared to release Mainoo, securing Baleba in one move would certainly ease the disappointment. Tony Bloom would undoubtedly welcome the 20-year-old to his roster, even if it meant losing their latest £100 million-plus talent.
5. Bayern Munich
It's quite difficult to assess Mainoo's market value, considering his limited playing time in 2025. There was previously a period when it seemed the United midfielder could enhance any global midfield, and Bayern Munich were reportedly among those expressing interest during the winter.
Die Roten's transfer policy has faced criticism in recent years, and they've experienced chaos again this summer. There's no clear strategy, and pursuing Mainoo might serve as additional proof of this confusion.
Nevertheless, there's a vacancy to address in Vincent Kompany's midfield following Jamal Musiala's severe leg injury at the Club World Cup. Bayern haven't yet signed direct replacement, with the Belgian coach deploying either Michael Olise or Serge Gnabry in a central creative role.
As mentioned, Mainoo isn't a natural No. 10, but it's difficult to imagine the talented 20-year-old failing to shine in the Bundesliga should he join the expected dominant champions this season. Bayern must also consider future plans for deeper midfield positions, with Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka approaching their thirties.
Mainoo would enhance an exciting emerging generation alongside Aleksandar Pavlović and Tom Bischof.