Chelsea’s interest in Kobbie Mainoo is showing no signs of fading, and the January window could be their opportunity to give the English youngster a fresh start.
The relationship between Ruben Amorim and Mainoo looks past the point of repair.
Mainoo is open to joining Chelsea, so a move is definitely possible. And it would be a smart decision on the player’s side anyway, with much more trust placed in youth at Stamford Bridge.
And many people agree. United legend Paul Scholes thinks Mainoo should make the move. There could be as many as 12 different clubs going after the midfielder, which is a stamp of approval on his talent.
But how do Chelsea think they would fare in such a race?
Kobbie Mainoo’s brother wants him out of Old Trafford 😶
Could he revive his career at Chelsea?
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Chelsea think Kobbie Mainoo is gettable in January
The whole Mainoo saga has been an utter head-scratcher.
This was a teenager who was seen as the future superstar of Man United and England after an incredible breakout season and important contributions for England at the 2024 EUROs.
Since Amorim took over, Mainoo can’t get a look in. United are still hesitant about getting rid, but the door is definitely open.
As Dean Jones reveals for Flashscore: “The United stance on Mainoo is that they are not agreeing to his request to leave in January; however, we understand it is a situation they are willing to revisit if they manage to sign a new midfielder themselves.
“And if he does become available, it could be a market opportunity that Chelsea cannot ignore. The Blues have monitored him for some time and believe they would have a chance of getting him in a move that would see him follow the path taken by Alejandro Garnacho.”
Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United
Photo by Charlotte Tattersall – MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images
Chelsea aren’t short of quality in midfield, but injuries to Dario Essugo and Romeo Lavia have left them just one unfortunate incident away from a real staffing problem.
The Mainoo situation isn’t a common one in terms of a player with such a ceiling being discarded, and Chelsea are nothing if not opportunistic.
Kobbie Mainoo is a very different profile to Maresca’s current options
The way you win long term is by building a squad that is both resilient to the hurdles that a season brings, while also having enough variation in the side to have an answer to any team.
Pep Guardiola’s Man City reign is a prime example. There has always been a mix of technical ability and physicality. Possession control and direct play.
With Chelsea, the midfield is as physical as any in the league, but they are missing that metronomic kind of player to come in and control the pace of the game.
Romeo Lavia’s injury record could force Chelsea to sign a new midfielder in 2026. Who would you buy if Kobbie Mainoo isn’t available?
Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton have both been mentioned 👀
Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia preparing a pass and Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo jogging
Credit: Shaun Brooks – CameraSport/Catherine Ivill – AMA via Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Mainoo hasn’t shown us much in recent months, but we have seen the kind of player he can be in the right situation.
Given the uniquely awkward position he finds himself in at Old Trafford, the Blues should absolutely push to get this deal done. Antonio Conte’s Napoli are favourites for Mainoo as it stands, but one conversation with Enzo Maresca could change that.
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