Kobbie Mainoo is reportedly in talks with Napoli ahead of a January exit from Manchester United.
In his last four matches, coach Ruben Amorim has won 10 points from 12 available, stringing together a run of three wins and one draw. The former Sporting boss has apparently, after more than a year in charge, found some consistency in his first team.
This could prove crucial for Amorim, who has found himself under different pressures since his move from Sporting to Old Trafford in November 2024. In becoming more secure in his first team, the Portuguese has, however, limited Kobbie Mainoo’s minutes.
A product of the club’s prestigious youth academy, Mainoo has played just 138 minutes in seven Premier League matches this season. As a result, rumors began to circulate about his future and now, reports in Italy suggest a move to Serie A could be on the cards.
Amorim wants Mainoo to stay amid Serie A negotiations
According to Football Italia, Napoli have “been in contact with the agent” of Kobbie Mainoo and “interest in a loan deal is mutual” between the player and the club. The reigning Serie A champions are reportedly looking for depth in midfield following an injury to Kevin De Bruyne.
Depth is all the more imperative as Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa will be absent at the next African Cup of Nations and Napoli have retained the interest they seemed to have in Mainoo during the summer transfer window.
Despite the keen interest from Antonio Conte’s side, it is understood that Amorim is hoping for Mainoo to stay in Manchester, although it has also been reported that a move to Italy is ‘more likely’ and has reached the stage of ‘advanced talks’.
“I want Kobbie to stay and he has to fight for his place. We need Kobbie. That’s not going to change,” Amorim said.
“The players who don’t play will be disappointed but everyone will have opportunities. We have to fight during the week.”
While Amorim may want Mainoo to stay, it’s understandable that the midfielder wants more first-team football, especially with a World Cup coming up next year. With Napoli currently absent, Mainoo would certainly receive minutes at the club.
Not only that, but Napoli’s status as a Champions League club can only make this move more attractive to Mainoo. However, it remains to be seen whether the England international will leave in the next transfer window.
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