Manchester United are rumoured to be prepared to offer midfielder Kobbie Mainoo plus more than £40m in a bid to land a Real Madrid star.
Kobbie Mainoo is facing a frustrating spell at Manchester United, with limited opportunities since Ruben Amorim took charge last November.
The 20-year-old midfielder, a product of United’s academy, has already made 76 appearances for the senior side, scoring seven goals. He was part of the squad that lifted the FA Cup in 2024 and has also earned 10 England caps.
But despite his early promise, Mainoo has started just once this season — the Carabao Cup defeat on penalties to League Two side Grimsby Town. His lack of game time prompted him to request a loan move before the transfer window closed, hoping to secure regular minutes ahead of next summer’s World Cup. That request was denied by the club.
Speaking earlier this month, Amorim explained his stance:
“I believe in him a lot. He is a top player. But some of you think that Kobbie Mainoo is already done, a complete player. I think he can do so much better. For some guys, talent is enough, but for him it is not. Maybe it’s not fair, but I think I’m helping Kobbie and that’s it.”
The United boss had also made it clear: “I want Kobbie to stay. He needs to fight for his place, and we need Kobbie. So that is not going to change.”
Mainoo’s current contract runs until 2027, with an option for the club to extend by a further year. For now, he will have to battle for a bigger role at Old Trafford under Amorim’s plans.
Fresh reports suggest Manchester United could be willing to sacrifice one of their brightest young talents in pursuit of a marquee signing.
According to Spanish outlet Defensa Central, United are preparing a sensational offer to Real Madrid that would see Kobbie Mainoo included as part of a package deal — along with £44 million — in exchange for Federico Valverde.
Valverde, 27, is considered one of Madrid’s most important long-term assets. Since joining from Peñarol in 2016, the Uruguayan has made 330 appearances, scoring 32 goals and collecting three La Liga titles and two Champions League medals. His current contract runs until 2029, and sources in Spain insist Madrid have no intention of parting with him.
For Mainoo, the rumors add another twist to his uncertain future at Old Trafford. Struggling for regular minutes under Ruben Amorim, the 20-year-old midfielder has already been linked with a loan exit in search of more playing time.
Whether or not United formalize the proposal, the chances of Real Madrid agreeing to let Valverde go appear slim. Los Blancos view him as a cornerstone of their midfield for years to come.
