Manchester United’s PSR situation meant INEOS took the bold call to place two of their brightest wonderkids — Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo up for sale during the January window.
Not too long ago, both were considered untouchable but following their entry into the transfer list, there was interest from Chelsea in both players.
In the Englishman’s case, his wage demands were considered excessive by the co-owners with the latest reports claiming his camp was asking for £180,000 per week plus bonuses.
While historically, United would not fret over such demands, the new financial reality is such that INEOS can ill-afford further wrong decisions and they are desperately trying to trim the wage bill.
Mainoo’s demands
They have already moved on high earners like Marcus Rashford and Antony during the winter window while they are also looking at selling the likes of Casemiro, Mason Mount next summer.
Interestingly, as revealed by Givemesport, even the Blues would struggle to afford Mainoo’s demands as it would take him above Cole Palmer in their wage books, something the London side are keen to avoid given the ex-Man City starlet’s raised standing in the dressing room.
United will also likely ask for £80 million to part ways with the Carrington graduate, and even with the amount of money the Stamford Bridge side have spent in recent times, Chelsea would struggle to afford Mainoo’s overall package.
“GMS sources have been informed that Mainoo’s desired wage may scupper Chelsea’s chances of reaching an agreement when the transfer window reopens as, despite being keen to have the chance to sign him if it becomes clear that a Manchester United exit is on the cards, there is scepticism over whether they are prepared to offer the amount he is seeking.
Chelsea would struggle to pay Mainoo’s wages
“A key reason for that is because the Blues are wary of offering a contract which puts further strain on the wage bill and allows him to earn more than Palmer, who has remained on a contract worth £130,000-per-week despite making himself a key man since his arrival from reigning Premier League champions Manchester City in September 2023.”
Chelsea could try and sneak into the picture should there not be any clarity regarding Mainoo’s future before the summer.
It must be remembered that Mainoo himself is keen to stay at United, who are prepared to agree a new deal before the current season concludes.
It will be interesting to see how Chelsea react in the summer should a new contract not be agreed. The 19-year-old is currently injured.
Rashford’s sale could potentially remove the need to move on the midfielder but only time will tell how INEOS deal with the situation.
Feature image Alex Livesey via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
