Kobbie Mainoo reportedly wants a transfer to Napoli, but Manchester United are blocking an exit due to the success of Scott McTominay. A £50 million ($67m) deal is being discussed and the Italian champions are ready to offer a four-year deal for the youngster.
Mainoo demands Napoli transfer before deadlineMan Utd blocking move after McTominay regretAntonio Conte desperate to land midfield prodigyFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?
According to Mainoo has informed United chiefs that his wish is to leave permanently, turning down the idea of a short-term loan move. His determination comes despite United insisting they will not sanction an exit, a stance influenced by the spectacular turnaround of another former academy product, McTominay, who has thrived since moving to Naples last year.
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Napoli boss Antonio Conte is convinced Mainoo can follow McTominay’s path to glory in Italy. He has personally endorsed the deal, believing the youngster’s quick feet, passing vision, and ability to thrive under pressure in tight spaces make him a perfect fit for Napoli’s system.
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Despite being regarded as one of United’s most promising prospects, Mainoo has struggled for consistent minutes under Ruben Amorim. The England international’s current contract runs until 2027, but talks over an extension have stalled, reflecting uncertainty over his role in the squad. This season, he was overlooked for United’s opening two league games, sitting on the bench as Amorim opted for captain Bruno Fernandes to control the strings in midfield. His only significant outing came in the Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby, where he played the full 90 minutes in a shock penalty shootout loss. With opportunities limited and his development stalling, Mainoo is pushing harder than ever to seal his move abroad.
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United bosses are still reeling from the decision to sell McTominay for just £25m ($34m) to Napoli last summer. Branded surplus to requirements at Old Trafford, the midfielder reinvented himself under Conte, becoming the heartbeat of a side that lifted the Scudetto. In his debut Serie A season, McTominay netted 12 goals in 34 appearances, played a pivotal role in Napoli’s title charge, and scored the decisive goal on the final day to secure the crown. His sensational transformation has even led to a Ballon d’Or nomination, the first for a Scottish player since Ally McCoist back in 1987. To cap it off, he scooped Serie A’s MVP award, cementing his reputation as one of Europe’s most improved players.