Napoli are in talks with Kobbie Mainoo as Tottenham Hotspur circle
Tottenham, despite their strong start to the new season, are now experiencing a dip in form as they attempt to build on last season’s Europa League success. The Lilywhites suffered their second consecutive home defeat in the Premier League last weekend, losing to local rivals Chelsea. The disappointing performance exposed several glaring issues within the squad that need to be addressed in the upcoming January transfer window.
The North Londoners struggled to control the tempo and failed to maintain possession against the Blues, a recurring issue that has become increasingly familiar to Spurs fans under Thomas Frank. The Danish tactician once again paired Rodrigo Bentancur and Joao Palhinha in midfield, which offered the team very little creativity in the attacking third.
Napoli are in talks with Kobbie Mainoo as Tottenham Hotspur circle.
Tottenham set to miss out on Kobbie Mainoo in January.
Bentancur failed to make an impact, and Spurs struggled to create chances, registering an xG of just 0.10. Both Palhinha and Bentancur are naturally defensive-minded players, more inclined to break up play and take the safer passing options. Deploying them together significantly reduces the team’s attacking spark, leaving the forwards isolated and short of service.
Tottenham suffer setback in their approach for Kobbie Mainoo
It is becoming clear that Tottenham need a new number eight in January to partner Joao Palhinha in the centre of the pitch. A dynamic, box-to-box midfielder capable of carrying the ball forward and unlocking defences could be the key to helping Thomas Frank turn things around at N17 in the second half of the season.
This is why the Lilywhites have shown interest in Manchester United starlet Kobbie Mainoo. The young English midfielder has slipped down the pecking order at Old Trafford and has reportedly informed Ruben Amorim of his desire to leave on loan. Both Tottenham and Napoli have been monitoring his situation closely and are prepared to make a move for his signature.
However, it appears that the North London club may be set to miss out on their pursuit of the talented youngster. According to teamTALK, Napoli have now overtaken Tottenham in the race for Mainoo, with the Serie A champions said to be in advanced negotiations with the player’s representatives. Manchester United, though, are only willing to sanction a departure if they can secure a replacement first.
For Spurs, this development represents a major setback in their bid to strengthen the midfield ahead of a busy second half of the season. Thomas Frank is eager to bring in a progressive midfielder to replace Bentancur and provide more energy and creativity. A player capable of contributing both defensively and offensively would be the perfect addition at N17. But based on the current situation, it looks increasingly likely that Tottenham will miss out on their top January target.
In that case, Spurs should shift their focus toward a long-term solution. Recent reports have linked Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher with a move to North London. The energetic midfielder would be an immediate upgrade and provide valuable depth in the number eight role. However, the Lilywhites would likely need to invest heavily to secure his services midway through the campaign.