Serie A champions Napoli are reportedly the front-runners to sign 20-year-old English international Kobbie Mainoo from Manchester United in the winter transfer window.
According to a report by Italian outlet Tutto Mercato Web, Kobbie Mainoo is the subject of interest from Napoli. The reigning Serie A champions are eager to bolster their first-team squad by signing a versatile midfielder in the winter transfer window. So, the 20-year-old Manchester United whizkid has emerged as a target for the Partenopei.
The Italian giants are keen on signing the Englishman, who may push to leave Manchester United in the winter transfer window if his struggles for regular game time continue. Meanwhile, the latest update has suggested that Napoli will be in pole position to land Mainoo if he departs from Old Trafford in January.
Kobbie Mainoo and his frustrations
Kobbie Mainoo has been one of the world’s best young midfielders since breaking into the first-team squad at Manchester United. The 20-year-old enjoyed his breakthrough under Erik ten Hag, and his rapid progress earned him a spot in England’s squad for UEFA Euro 2024. However, the youngster has been in and out of the starting lineup since Ruben Amorim took over from Erik ten Hag nearly 12 months ago.
The English international has managed only 190 minutes of game time in five appearances thus far in the 2025/26 season. The situation has left Mainoo frustrated, and it has piqued the attention of several high-profile clubs. Napoli will be among the prospective suitors vying for his signature in the winter transfer window.
Serie A adventure on the horizon?
Napoli wanted to sign Kobbie Mainoo from Manchester United in the summer transfer window, but the deal did not materialise. The continued interest is understandable, as Antonio Conte wants more options in the middle of the park to sustain a challenge on all fronts, even though he has a stacked midfield unit at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.
So, the Serie A champions have set their sights on Mainoo, and they are closely monitoring his situation at Manchester United. The report has revealed that the 20-year-old Englishman will push to depart from Old Trafford in the winter transfer window and that Napoli will be in pole position to land him.
However, widespread reports have suggested that Manchester United’s stance on Mainoo has not changed. The Red Devils are keen on keeping the English international at Old Trafford for the long haul, and Napoli will face a tall order to land the young midfielder.
