Real Madrid are willing to pay a ‘record’ amount to sign a Manchester United star as the club’s transfer plans have emerged in a new report.
Real Madrid’s summer rebuild saw them splash £150 million on new arrivals, bringing in Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, Álvaro Carreras, and Franco Mastantuono. But their transfer activity isn’t done yet.
According to Spanish outlet E-Noticies, Xabi Alonso is pushing for another midfield reinforcement, and club president Florentino Pérez is reportedly willing to back the move. Their top target? Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United.
Chief scout Juni Calafat is said to be monitoring Mainoo closely over the coming months, with Real prepared to pay £78.5 million to land the 20-year-old. That fee would smash United’s record sale of an academy graduate—currently Alejandro Garnacho’s £40 million switch to Chelsea.
However, Madrid aren’t alone in the race. Both Chelsea and Tottenham are also keeping tabs on the England midfielder, who has endured a difficult start to the new campaign.
Mainoo has made just two league appearances so far and has yet to start in the Premier League this season. After a frustrating summer where he wanted to leave but couldn’t secure a move, his long-term future at Old Trafford remains uncertain.
Madrid’s interest, alongside Premier League rivals circling, could make Mainoo one of the most in-demand names in the next transfer window.
- Limited minutes so far: Mainoo has only started once this season (in the Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby) and has made two substitute appearances in the league.
- Belief in his potential: Amorim stressed that he “believes a lot” in Mainoo, describing him as a “top, top player” but one who can still improve significantly.
- Why he’s being cautious: The manager argued that while some players might be satisfied at Mainoo’s current level, he thinks Mainoo must aim higher: “For him, it’s not enough. Maybe it’s not fair, but I think I’m helping Kobbie Mainoo and that’s it.”
- Opportunities will come: Amorim insisted Mainoo will get chances if he earns them in training, saying: “If I feel during the week that he’s the best player to play, he’s going to play and I proved that already to every player here.”
In short: Amorim hasn’t lost faith in Mainoo at all—he sees huge potential in him. But he wants to push him harder, making sure he develops further instead of settling at his current level.
