Club director refuses to rule out January move for ‘fantastic’ Man Utd star, they will ‘evaluate’ situation

Napoli chief Giovanni Manna was pressed on a potential move for Kobbie Mainoo in 2026, and he couldn’t rule it out.The reigning Serie A champions have continued to be linked with Manchester United’s young starlet ever since he privately expressed his desire to leave on loan at the end of the summer window.Kobbie Mainoo: What’s gone on over the last six months?(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)Nothing materialised from Mainoo’s requests, as United stepped in to block the move and encourage him to stay and fight for his role. He did so, but has continued to be utilised sparingly by Ruben Amorim, and is still awaiting his first Premier League start of 2025/2026.Amorim has previously suggested the club would not facilitate any mid-season departures to first-team players due to the partially depleted squad he’ll have when the African Cup of Nations gets underway.However, would there really be any justification for keeping Mainoo around if he’s going to spend the majority of the campaign watching on from the sidelines?It’s certainly a situation Napoli will take a look at, too.Antonio Conte is navigating a lengthy absentee list heading into the festive period; he was without Kevin De Bruyne, Billy Gilmour and Stanislav Lobotka – amongst others – for last night’s Champions League clash with Benfica.Could Napoli revive their interest in Mainoo?(Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)A loan would perhaps suit all parties involved, as it’s thought the 20-year-old, hailed as ‘fantastic’ by ex-teammate Victor Lindelof, is reluctant to fully cut ties with his boyhood club just yet, while Napoli are unlikely to be able to afford him in the winter.“He is a player who has been linked to Napoli since August, also for his age, his potential, and the transfer opportunity,” said the Naples outfit’s sporting director Manna, as relayed by Football Italia.“This team is doing well. It is consolidated. We have some important absences right now, but sooner or later, the lads will return, strong and determined.“We have to make the right evaluations, so we’ll see how things progress along the way.”