BREAKING NEWS: Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo wanted by Napoli in surprise £45M transfer deal
Napoli have reportedly made a surprise attempt to lure Manchester United’s teenage sensation, Kobbie Mainoo, in a deal worth around £45 million — a move that has stunned both fans and football insiders.
Reports from Italy and England suggest that the Serie A champions have submitted a proposal for a loan with an option to buy, testing United’s determination to keep hold of one of their most exciting young stars.
At just 19, Mainoo has been one of the few bright spots in what has been a difficult season for United, earning praise for his maturity and calm presence in midfield. According to insiders, Napoli have been monitoring him closely for months and are convinced he could become the cornerstone of their midfield for years to come.
Inside Old Trafford, however, the situation has reportedly caused division among club officials. Some believe the deal represents a smart piece of business, offering United a chance to capitalize on Mainoo’s soaring market value amid financial uncertainty. Others are adamant that selling the young midfielder would be disastrous, both in terms of team morale and the club’s long-term vision. One senior source at United revealed there is genuine concern about “losing the wrong players,” with Mainoo considered almost untouchable — though the club’s financial struggles mean no player is completely safe.
Napoli’s offer is said to include a loan for the remainder of the season, followed by an obligation or option to buy in the summer. This structure would help the Italian club navigate their financial fair play constraints while securing one of Europe’s most promising young talents. Manager Walter Mazzarri is reportedly pushing hard for the move, believing Mainoo could add a new dynamic to his midfield alongside Piotr Zieliński and Stanislav Lobotka.
Fans, however, are far from pleased. Within hours of the news breaking, social media platforms were flooded with outrage, as supporters demanded that United reject any approach. Hashtags like #KeepMainoo and #NotForSale began trending, with fans warning that selling the teenager would signal a complete loss of direction for the club. Some described him as the “most complete midfielder since Carrick,” urging the board to build the team around him rather than cashing in.
Erik ten Hag, United’s manager, is also said to be firmly against the idea of letting Mainoo go. He has relied heavily on the youngster this season and has frequently praised his intelligence, composure, and understanding of the game. Sources close to the Dutchman suggest he views Mainoo as a key figure in United’s future and fears that losing him — especially to a foreign club — would send the wrong message about the club’s ambition.
Behind the scenes, though, financial pressures continue to mount. With Sir Jim Ratcliffe now involved in the club’s restructuring efforts, United are expected to make difficult decisions to balance their books. Selling Mainoo could ease some of those concerns, but insiders warn it would likely spark massive fan backlash and damage the club’s efforts to rebuild its identity around youth development.
As the January transfer window draws nearer, the standoff is intensifying. Napoli’s interest is genuine, and United’s financial situation adds another layer of uncertainty. Officially, the club insists Mainoo is not for sale — but in modern football, loyalty often fades when money comes calling.
