Napoli Make Surprise Bid for Kobbie Mainoo
Serie A champions Napoli have launched a bold attempt to sign Manchester United starlet Kobbie Mainoo in a deal worth around £45 million.
Reports from both England and Italy say Napoli have tabled a loan offer that includes an option to buy — a proposal designed to test United’s willingness to part with one of their most exciting young talents.
The 19-year-old midfielder, one of the few bright spots in United’s difficult season, has quickly become a central figure in discussions among the club’s decision-makers.
A source told The Athletic:
“Napoli are serious about this. They’ve been monitoring Mainoo for months and believe he could anchor their midfield for years.”
United Board Split Over the Proposal
People close to Manchester United say the board is divided on how to respond.
Some directors reportedly see the offer as a financially clever move — the chance to profit from a rising academy graduate at the peak of his value.
Others think letting Mainoo go would be a major mistake, both on the pitch and as a message to the fans, given he’s widely seen as a key part of the club’s future.
A senior figure at Old Trafford said:
“There’s worry about losing the wrong players. Many inside the club consider Mainoo untouchable — but with financial pressures, nothing is certain.”
Napoli’s Strategy
Napoli’s proposal includes a loan until the end of the season, followed by a £45 million option to buy — a structure that helps them stay compliant with Serie A financial rules.
The club’s scouts have been closely watching Mainoo since last year, impressed by his intelligence, quick feet, and calmness under pressure.
Manager Walter Mazzarri is reportedly pushing heavily for the move, viewing Mainoo as the ideal piece to rejuvenate his midfield alongside Stanislav Lobotka and Piotr Zieliński.
A source in Italy added:
“They see him as a player who could explode abroad — something like Jude Bellingham’s rise. The plan is to give him responsibility and room to grow.”
United Fans React with Anger
United supporters have strongly rejected the idea of losing Mainoo.
Within hours, social media was flooded with posts using the hashtags #KeepMainoo and #NotForSale.
One fan wrote:
“If we sell Mainoo, the club has lost its mind. He’s the only one showing real fight right now.”
Another said:
“Sending him out on loan is insanity. He’s our best midfield prospect since Carrick. Build the team around him.”
A smaller portion of fans argue the sale could help fund a squad rebuild next summer.
Ten Hag Opposed to Letting Mainoo Leave
Erik ten Hag has reportedly made it clear he doesn’t want Mainoo to depart — not even on loan.
The United manager has relied heavily on the teenager and consistently praised his maturity and tactical intelligence.
After a recent match, Ten Hag said:
“He’s young, but he thinks like a seasoned pro. His future is very bright.”
Sources told Sky Sports:
“Ten Hag sees Mainoo as off-limits. Losing him — especially to a club abroad — would send the wrong signal.”
Financial Tensions Behind the Scenes
With ownership changes underway and Sir Jim Ratcliffe pushing for financial reform, there is pressure to generate funds through player sales.
While selling Mainoo could provide much-needed financial relief, many within the club fear it would anger supporters and undermine efforts to rebuild the squad around young homegrown players.
A Premier League executive said:
“If United let Mainoo go, it suggests the balance sheet is more important than football. It would be a PR nightmare.”
Conclusion: A Fight for Mainoo’s Future
As the January window draws closer, all attention turns to Manchester.
Will United protect one of their brightest prospects, or will Napoli’s £45 million offer tempt them into a controversial sale?
For now, the club insists Mainoo is staying…
But in modern football, money often speaks louder than promises.
