Manchester United will sanction a late departure for 20-year-old English international Kobbie Mainoo if they sign his replacement before the summer transfer window closes.
According to a report by Football Insider, Kobbie Mainoo is the subject of interest from Napoli. The Serie A champions are keen on reinforcing their midfield unit in the final days of the summer transfer window. So, the 20-year-old Manchester United whizkid has emerged as a target for the Partenopei.
While recent reports have claimed that Manchester United will not entertain bids for the young Englishman, that stance has softened. The Red Devils are open to sanctioning Mainoo’s exit if they sign a replacement before Monday’s summer transfer window deadline.
Kobbie Mainoo and his situation
Kobbie Mainoo has become increasingly frustrated at Manchester United with each passing month this year. While the 20-year-old enjoyed his breakthrough under Erik ten Hag, he has been in and out of the starting lineup since Ruben Amorim took over from the Dutch tactician nearly 12 months ago. Additionally, fitness issues have not helped the young midfielder’s case.
The English international has managed only 135 minutes of game time thus far in the 2025/26 season, and he has made his first Premier League appearance this weekend. However, Mainoo’s stock in the market remains high, with Napoli among the prospective suitors vying for his signature in the final days of the summer transfer window..
Serie A adventure beckons?
Napoli’s interest in Kobbie Mainoo is understandable. While Antonio Conte has a stacked midfield unit, he wants more options in the middle of the park. The Manchester United prodigy’s youthful exuberance and his well-rounded game appeal to the Napoli manager.
Recent reports have claimed that the Serie A champions have already established contact and discussed a possible move for Mainoo, with the Englishman emerging as a top target. However, while Manchester United initially resisted the temptation of pure profit from the homegrown midfielder’s departure, that stance has softened.
The Red Devils are open to a late exit if they sign a replacement in the final hours of the summer transfer window. With the English international pushing for a departure to save his World Cup dreams, it will be interesting to see if he joins Napoli in the coming 36 hours.