Chelsea and Bayern Munich are leading the race to sign Manchester United midfield sensation Kobbie Mainoo.
Kobbie Mainoo’s future has been a massive talking point for months. While Ruben Amorim did block his exit during the summer, the Portuguese manager hasn’t handed him enough minutes so far. The English international isn’t pleased with his role in the team, and could push for a move away when the window reopens.
Some of the biggest clubs from across Europe are keeping tabs on his situation and would pounce on any opportunity to sign the 20-year-old. According to a report from CaughtOffside, Chelsea and Bayern Munich lead a 12-club race for the signature of the Mainoo.
The English midfielder has come up the ranks at United. He got promoted to their first team at the start of 2023. He had a sensational start to his professional career and was a constant feature in Erik ten Hag’s XI. However, a lot has changed since Amorim’s arrival.
The 20-year-old isn’t a perfect fit in his system and is competing with Bruno Fernandes for a place in the starting XI. Mainoo was aware that he won’t get much game time this season; as a result, he looked to secure a move away in the summer. But the Portuguese manager stood in his way, as he didn’t want to weaken his team.
However, he has only handed him 273 minutes of first-team action, which has frustrated the youngster and his camp. They could now push for an exit as he eyes a spot in the England squad for the World Cup, and a host of top clubs are ready to make a move for him.
European giants to battle it out for Mainoo
As many as 12 clubs are after his signature, but Chelsea and Bayern Munich are believed to be the front-runners. The Blues consider him an ideal fit for their project, and with Romeo Lavia struggling to stay fit, Mainoo could be an ideal replacement.
Meanwhile, Bayern want to freshen things up in their midfield, and Mainoo certainly has all the qualities to succeed in the Bundesliga. While both clubs are in pole position, the 20-year-old would still prefer a move to Napoli, as he will have a guaranteed starting role at the Italian club.
United are reluctant to sell him, and will only let him leave if they manage to secure a replacement. As a result, it will be interesting to see if any club manages to strike a deal with the Red Devils.
