Kobbie Mainoo is at the centre of a £50million battle between Italian champions Napoli and Manchester United, with the 20-year-old midfielder desperate to join Antonio Conte's Serie A side
Kobbie Mainoo #37 of Manchester United walks off the pitch during a game between Manchester United and Everton at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 3, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Kobbie Mainoo could be looking for the exit at Old Trafford(Image: Andrew J. Clark/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
Kobbie Mainoo is at the heart of a £50million tug-of-war between Italian champions Napoli and Manchester United.
Napoli, who are setting their sights on lifting the Champions League after winning the Serie A title last season, have a four-year contract ready for the 20-year-old midfielder, reports the Mirror. Mainoo has expressed to the United hierarchy his desire to make a permanent move to Serie A, and he wants to link up with ex-Chelsea boss Antonio Conte.
However, United may be recalling the remarkable impact made by another former player – Scott McTominay – and have so far resisted the transfer. Despite the pushback from the Red Devils, Mainoo is insistent that he wants to depart before Monday's transfer deadline.
McTominay was permitted to leave Old Trafford last summer for Conte's side in a £25million deal, and the midfielder has come on leaps and bounds since his departure from Old Trafford.
He has delivered a series of game-changing performances both domestically and in Europe, becoming the first Scot to be nominated for the Ballon d'Or since ex-Rangers striker Ally McCoist in 1987.
In his debut season at Napoli, the midfielder also received the MVP award and won the Serie A league title in dramatic fashion. Under Conte's guidance, McTominay, who was often criticised and eventually sidelined at Old Trafford, played a key role in Napoli's title victory. The 28-year-old scored 12 times in 34 league matches, which includes a vital strike on the season's final day to clinch the Scudetto.
Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United arrives ahead of a first team training session at Carrington Training Ground on August 06, 2025 in Manchester, England.
Kobbie Mainoo has been struggling to get a starting place in Ruben Amorim's Manchester United team
(Image: Zohaib Alam - MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Mainoo believes that Conte could similarly influence his own footballing future and, as such, wishes to leave permanently rather than on loan as previously thought.
Conte has expressed his belief that Mainoo's quick feet, impressive passing range, and speed in tight spaces will be a huge boost for Napoli as they defend their title and aim for the Champions League.
Despite being highly regarded by many United fans, the England midfielder's contract with the club is set to run until 2027, but talks over an extension have hit a roadblock.
Antonio Conte of Napoli celebrates the championship victory at the end of the Serie A match between Napoli and Cagliari at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on May 23, 2025 in Naples, Italy.
Antonio Conte led Napoli to the Serie A title last season and has big plans for Kobbie Mainoo
(Image: Image Photo Agency/Getty Images)
It's also understood that United would be open to offers for him, given that his regular first-team opportunities have been limited under Ruben Amorim. Mainoo played the entirety of Wednesday's EFL Cup penalty shootout defeat at Grimsby, but this was the first time he had graced the pitch this season.
Prior to this, he was left on the bench for United's first two Premier League matches, with Amorim insisting that he is competing for a spot with captain Bruno Fernandes.
The Stockport-born star has had a difficult year at Old Trafford following his stellar end to the 2023-24 season, which saw him represent England at the European Championships.
Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United in the rain during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Grimsby Town and Manchester United at Blundell Park on August 27, 2025 in Grimsby, England.
Mainoo got his first minutes on Wednesday in a penalty shootout defeat to Grimsby
(Image: Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
His form and confidence took a hit, and he was sidelined due to injury when Erik ten Hag was dismissed and Amorim stepped in. As the squad grappled with the Portuguese head coach's three-at-the-back system, Mainoo was part of a series of damaging defeats.
He was struck by injury again in February and, upon his return, found his chances limited due to Amorim's focus on the Europa League. However, McTominay isn't the only player who has left United and subsequently thrived, potentially prompting Mainoo to do the same.
Scott McTominay celebrates scoring for Napoli
Scott McTominay has been a revelation at Napoli since leaving Manchester United(Image: Cesare Purini/Insidefoto/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images)
Antony was exceptional at Betis, while Marcus Rashford's performances helped Aston Villa edge closer to the last of the Champions League knockout stages, earning him a loan transfer to Barcelona.
Chelsea have been sufficiently impressed by winger Alejandro Garnacho to invest £40million. Meanwhile, Napoli are set on taking their pursuit of Mainoo right up to Monday's transfer deadline.
Get United transfer news and updates on WhatsApp!
Our team of Manchester United experts are on top of all the goings-on at Old Trafford for this week and beyond, and you can get the latest team news, injury updates, reaction and analysis along with inside information to your phone by joining our new free WhatsApp community. You can also join the 50,000 (and growing!) band of United fans who are following our WhatsApp Channel.
--
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.