Kobbie Mainoo and a circular inset of Nuno Espirito Santo
Credit: Imago
James Barker
Fri 19 December 2025 12:10, UK
West Ham have learned what it will take to sign Kobbie Mainoo from Manchester United in January.
Mainoo has been strongly linked with a move to West Ham in the upcoming winter transfer window.
Man United look set to move on from Mainoo in January, with the 20-year-old midfielder frozen out by Ruben Amorim.
Significant transfer funds could be raised with the potential sale of Lucas Paqueta, and Nuno Espirito Santo appears to want midfield reinforcements this January.
Kobbie Mainoo pre-match for Manchester United
Credit: Imago
West Ham learn Man United threshold for Kobbie Mainoo transfer
Mainoo looks in desperate need of a fresh start away from Old Trafford, and will surely require a move if he has any ambitions of making England’s World Cup squad next summer.
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As per an X post from Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett, Man United will only commission a Mainoo sale if they receive an “exceptional” offer for him, with the Red Devils also understood to have no interest in a loan deal.
The Sun have also touted Mainoo with a switch to the London Stadium, with the player said to be frustrated with his situation in Manchester.
Mainoo is the kind of transfer gamble that David Sullivan should be taking
It’s been a highly frustrating season for Mainoo as a Manchester United player, of that there is no doubt.
His stock is at an all-time low after first breaking onto the Old Trafford scene in 2022, but that shouldn’t put West Ham and David Sullivan off splashing out on him.
West Ham owner David Sullivan watching his team in action.
Credit: Imago
Mainoo is still only 20, and proved himself to be a top-class central midfielder in the Premier League when starring for United over the last two seasons.
He’s got 10 England caps under his belt, and made six appearances for the Three Lions in the 2024 European Championship.
Mainoo has made 84 appearances for Man United in all competitions, scoring seven times
West Ham could form their midfield of the future with Mainoo signing
Mateus Fernandes and Freddie Potts have both been excellent for the Hammers this season
That sort of ability doesn’t disappear overnight, and with the Irons in possession of some excellent young central midfielders such as Mateus Fernandes and Freddie Potts, adding Mainoo to the mix could ensure that West Ham have a superb engine room for many years to come.
West Ham do have bigger transfer needs than central midfield in January, but Mainoo is the type of restoration project that could see the club hit the jackpot.
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