A shock report from Spain has claimed that Antonio Conte’s Napoli are closing in on the signing of Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo.
Mainoo facing uncertain United future
During the final days of the summer transfer window, Mainoo’s future was the subject of intense speculation amidst his limited role under Ruben Amorim.
Mainoo has yet to start a Premier League game this term, as it becomes increasingly clear that Amorim doesn’t view him as a guaranteed starter. The player has managed just 118 minutes in the Premier League.
Earlier in the season, Amorim made it clear that Mainoo is battling Bruno Fernandes for a starting berth. Before the window closed, Mainoo asked to leave United on loan, but the club denied his request.
There was a bevvy of clubs lining up to take the England international but United made it clear they had no desire to offload him. With Mainoo looking to gain regular first-team minutes and earn his spot in Thomas Tuchel’s squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup, a January exit has not been entirely ruled out.
One of the clubs Mainoo continues to be strongly linked to is Napoli and now, Spanish news outlet Fichajes claims that the reigning Serie A champions are “very close to signing” the 20-year-old.
Napoli closing in on Mainoo
According to Fichajes, Napoli are “the main candidates” to secure Mainoo’s services. The Italian giants are “on the verge of sealing the arrival” of the United star.
The report further states, “Antonio Conte sees the young midfielder as a strategic piece for the future.”
“Sources close to the Italian club indicate that negotiations are progressing ‘smoothly’ as long as United accepts a loan without an option to buy.”
“Despite the player’s discontent, United has shown reluctance to let him go without favourable conditions. The conditions appear to be clear: loan yes, sale not for the moment.”
Fichajes explain that Napoli must first clear some space in their midfield department to accommodate Mainoo, but there is a desire to add him to the ranks.
It’s worth noting that Fichajes should be taken with caution regarding United news, as they’ve been known to report prematurely. It’s best to rely on more established journalists and media sources for verification
What is certain is that Mainoo’s situation cannot drag on past January. Either Amorim finds a way to integrate a talent of his calibre into the squad, or an exit seems inevitable.
Featured image George Wood via Getty Images
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