Owing to PSR concerns, Manchester United were open to moving on academy graduates this window as their sales constitute pure profit.
While Marcus Rashford seemed the most obvious candidate since he publicly revealed his desire to leave, his humongous wages meant a permanent exit was off the cards in January.
Which is why INEOS took the bold call to place both Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo up for sale and the Argentine has received a great deal of attention this winter.
Napoli were the most interested party, but saw multiple bids rejected by the Red Devils. They informed the English side that the maximum they would pay for the 20-year-old was €55 million while United were hoping to earn a lot more.
Napoli have finally moved on
The Serie A giants moved on to other targets like Karim Adeyemi but faced defeat on that front as well and with United refusing to lower their demands, it seems they have finally moved on for good.
As per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Antonio Conte’s side are now looking at Allan Saint-Maximin to replace Kvicha Kvaratshkhelia.
🚨🔵 Napoli have been working on Allan Saint-Maximin deal again tonight, while Al Ahli and Fenerbahçe are discussing the loan termination.
Saint-Maximin already said yes to Napoli and more contacts will take place later today. pic.twitter.com/WIfRx7j3dg
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 1, 2025
The 27-year-old is on loan at Fenerbahce from Saudi Pro League side m Al-Ahli and the winger has give his green signal and talks are taking place regarding a loan termination and a permanent move to Naples.
“Napoli have been working on Allan Saint-Maximin deal again tonight, while Al Ahli and Fenerbahçe are discussing the loan termination.
Chelsea still in the race
“Saint-Maximin already said yes to Napoli and more contacts will take place later today,” Romano wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
With Napoli out of the picture, only Premier League rivals Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur remain in the picture.
The Argentina international is unlikely to entertain thoughts of moving to North London and INEOS have slapped a £80 million price tag for the Blues in a bid to avoid strengthening a direct domestic rival.
Ruben Amorim has come out and profusely praised the United No 17 and has made it clear to the board that he does not want to lose his services in this window. Hopefully now INEOS will heed his call.
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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
