Leeds United will reportedly compete with Barcelona and Real Madrid in the race to sign 20-year-old English international Kobbie Mainoo from Manchester United.
According to a report by Caught Offside, Kobbie Mainoo is the subject of interest from Leeds United. The Whites are keen on reinforcing their midfield unit in the winter transfer window, and they have set their sights on the disgruntled Manchester United whizkid. However, they face stiff competition from Barcelona and Real Madrid, among others, for the Englishman’s signature.
Kobbie Mainoo and his frustrations
Kobbie Mainoo has not been a happy camper at Manchester United since Ruben Amorim took over from Erik ten Hag last year. While fitness issues plagued the academy graduate in the 2025/26 season, he has struggled for game time this term. That has compelled the English midfielder to seek a winter departure from Old Trafford.
The 20-year-old has managed only 228 minutes of game time in eight appearances thus far in the 2025/26 season. So, it is hardly surprising that the Englishman is ready to leave Manchester United in the winter transfer window, with several well-known clubs, including Leeds United, Barcelona, and Real Madrid, vying for his signature in the coming weeks.
A man in demand
Leeds United will likely dip into the market for a midfielder in the winter transfer window, even though they signed Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff this past summer. Daniel Farke wants more options in the middle of the park, and several candidates, including Ismael Saibari, have emerged on the West Yorkshire club’s wishlist. However, Mainoo is also a viable target for Leeds United.
Meanwhile, Barcelona’s interest in Kobbie Mainoo is understandable. The Catalan giants are keen on signing a midfielder in the winter transfer window, as they have struggled with an injury crisis this term. So, Mainoo is an option worth considering for the Blaugrana. However, the Manchester United whizkid will likely face similar game-time issues if he joins Barcelona.
As for Real Madrid, Xabi Alonso can do with more options in the middle of the park. However, the same problem of plenty will trouble Mainoo at the Santiago Bernabeu. Nevertheless, the opportunity to join Real Madrid must appeal to the 20-year-old Englishman.
Apart from these three clubs, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Napoli, and several other bigwigs are also keen on signing the disgruntled Manchester United whizkid. With Mainoo eager to depart from Old Trafford to secure regular game time in the second half of the 2025/26 season and save his World Cup dream, it will be interesting to see if he can land a January exit.