Barcelona eye Manchester United’s Kobe Mainoo amid midfield injury crisis
Barcelona’s midfield depth has taken a major hit after losing two key players in the space of two weeks, leaving coach Hansi Flick with a depleted squad. What was once an area of strength has quickly become a concern, pushing the club’s hierarchy to explore urgent reinforcements ahead of the January transfer window.
Among the options being considered is Manchester United’s highly rated youngster Kobe Mainoo. While the 19-year-old has yet to cement a regular starting spot at Old Trafford, his versatility has caught Barcelona’s attention. Capable of operating as a holding midfielder, a box-to-box presence, or even a creative playmaker, Mainoo’s adaptability makes him an appealing fit for Flick’s system.
Club insiders view Mainoo as a player in the mold of Barcelona’s own academy graduates, able to slot into multiple roles with intelligence and composure. That potential has placed him firmly on the Blaugrana’s radar as they search for short-term solutions with long-term upside.
The Catalan giants are reportedly exploring the possibility of a loan deal with a non-obligatory purchase option, mirroring the approach used to great effect in Marcus Rashford’s move earlier this year. For Barcelona, Mainoo represents a low-risk opportunity to plug the current gaps while also testing whether he could be part of the club’s future midfield core.
