Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo’s January departure from Manchester United has come closer to reality, after Napoli aggressively push forward a loan proposal that could finally break manager Ruben Amorim’s resistance.
TeamTalk confirms that the Serie A manager is prepared to cover the 20-year-old’s £45,000-per-week salary in full, and include a purchase option – terms designed to tempt Old Trafford to let go of their mid-season “academy diamond”.
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Amorim has repeatedly insisted that Mainoo remains “essential depth”, and has refused to approve any exit without a direct replacement. Still, Napoli’s tenacity has changed the dynamic: club president Aurelio De Laurentiis has personally consulted the Napoli recruitment team on how Mainoo would fit into Antonio Conte’s high-pressing midfield.
The club’s success with Scott McTominay has pushed them to target a new Manchester United player, as they believe they can achieve similar success to what they have had with the Scot.
For Mainoo, the potential transfer represents salvation. Just 228 minutes over eight appearances this season have left the England international fearful of being overlooked for the World Cup under Thomas Tuchel.
A temporary move to the Scudetto holders – where he would reunite with McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund – offers guaranteed starts and Champions League exposure before the 2026 tournament.
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Manchester United’s senior management now faces a crucial choice. Reject Napoli and risk alienating a prodigy who is already exploring his options, or accept and release funds for Amorim’s midfield overhaul.
Internal talks have accelerated at Manchester United as they consider which stars to bring in to lead their midfield transformation if Mainoo leaves the club. Conor Gallagher from Atlético Madrid, Morten Hjulmand from Sporting CP and Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest are at the top of the incoming list.
A senior source told “If Kobbie leaves, the door swings open for another arrival – Ruben doesn’t want to lose a body without gaining another one.”
This marks a significant change of course for Manchester United, because, as mentioned, Amorim have been very reluctant to let any of their players go on loan in January.
Tottenham, Newcastle and Manchester City continue to monitor Mainoo, but Napoli’s salary promise and option clause have shot them to pole position.
As the January window approaches, Mainoo’s negotiators are in “advanced discussions” with Napoli, TEAMtalk sources have confirmed.
A deal that was once thought impossible suddenly looks alive – assuming United are 100% sure they can secure a replacement first.
