By Michael Nsikan Richard – November 17th, 2025
Current Situation
TEAMtalk and TribalFootball report that Mainoo is actively pushing for a January loan move after struggling for playing time under Ruben Amorim, having managed only 138 Premier League minutes across seven appearances this season without a single start.
The 20-year-old previously requested a loan move in the final days of the summer transfer window, but Manchester United denied his request.
According to TribalFootball, the primary motivation behind his desire to leave is straightforward: England manager Thomas Tuchel has excluded him from all England squads so far, citing insufficient game time, and Mainoo fears his 2026 World Cup hopes are in jeopardy without regular football.
He has fallen out of the pecking order since Amorim took charge, with the manager unable to find a place for him in his 3-4-3 system.
Manchester United’s Stance
United in Focus reports that despite Mainoo’s personal desires, INEOS has no plans to allow him to leave in the January transfer window.
Manchester United is not engaging with suitors because they are telling Mainoo that their preference is for him to stay unless they find another midfielder, feeling that he is needed as a squad player for their push for European football.
However, there appears to be a potential pathway for his departure. Mainoo’s best way out of Manchester United could be based on someone coming the other way, meaning his only hope of leaving is if the club manages to bring in another midfielder during the January window.
Possible Destinations
The most concrete interest has emerged from multiple clubs across different leagues:
Napoli (Most Advanced Interest): According to Goal.com, Napoli has intensified their pursuit and is the primary club pushing for Mainoo, with a new contract made between the club and Mainoo’s representatives confirming mutual interest. Napoli are reportedly willing to cover Mainoo’s £45,000-a-week wages in full and could even insert a future purchase option at United’s request. The proposed deal would see Napoli take Mainoo on loan until the end of the season with an option to make it permanent in 2026.
West Ham United: Goal.com reports that West Ham has made a firm approach to take Mainoo on loan in January, offering guaranteed minutes that United cannot provide. Manager Nuno Espirito Santo views him as fitting a glaring need for a dynamic midfielder who can carry the ball and dictate tempo.
Premier League Rivals: According to reports by TEAMtalk, four Premier League clubs are tracking Mainoo’s situation, including Tottenham, who are closely monitoring him as an ideal fit for their dynamic system; Newcastle United, for their European push; Manchester City under Pep Guardiola; and Brentford, who prioritize mobile midfielders.
European Interest: Juventus and AS Roma reportedly remain on the sidelines with interest, and there is a belief that talks can be held in January.
Reports from CaughtOffside also suggest Mainoo has chosen Real Madrid as his preferred destination, though Manchester United values him at €90 million, making a permanent transfer unlikely.
Key Factors
United in Focus reports that Manchester United would prefer to send Mainoo abroad rather than strengthen a Premier League rival, which complicates West Ham’s pursuit and positions Napoli as the frontrunner. Additionally, Mainoo’s contract runs until 2027 with an option to June 2028, and the club has failed to tie him down to an extension after nearly two years of negotiations.
The situation remains fluid, with Mainoo’s World Cup ambitions creating urgency while Manchester United’s reluctance to weaken their squad without adequate replacement creates a significant obstacle.
The January window will be critical in determining whether the young midfielder secures the regular football he desperately needs for his international and career development.
BREAKING: Napoli to make surprise bid for Kobbie Mainoo
