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 Madridโs summer rebuild saw them splash ยฃ150 million on new arrivals, bringing in Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, รlvaro Carreras, and Franco Mastantuono. But their transfer activity isnโt done yet.
According to Spanish outlet E-Noticies, Xabi Alonso is pushing for another midfield reinforcement, and club president Florentino Pรฉrez 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 ยฃ78.5 million to land the 20-year-old. That fee would smash Unitedโs record sale of an academy graduateโcurrently Alejandro Garnachoโs ยฃ40 million switch to Chelsea.
However, Madrid arenโt 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 couldnโt secure a move, his long-term future at Old Trafford remains uncertain.
Madridโs 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 โbelieves a lotโ in Mainoo, describing him as a โtop, top playerโ but one who can still improve significantly.
- Why heโs being cautious: The manager argued that while some players might be satisfied at Mainooโs current level, he thinks Mainoo must aim higher: โFor him, itโs not enough. Maybe itโs not fair, but I think Iโm helping Kobbie Mainoo and thatโs it.โ
- Opportunities will come: Amorim insisted Mainoo will get chances if he earns them in training, saying: โIf I feel during the week that heโs the best player to play, heโs going to play and I proved that already to every player here.โ
In short: Amorim hasnโt lost faith in Mainoo at allโhe sees huge potential in him. But he wants to push him harder, making sure he develops further instead of settling at his current level.
