BREAKING NEWS: Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo wanted by Napoli in surprise £45M transfer deal

Napoli Launch Shocking Move for Kobbie Mainoo

Serie A champions Napoli are reportedly making an ambitious attempt to sign Kobbie Mainoo from Manchester United in a stunning £45 million transfer deal.

According to multiple sources in Italy and England, Napoli have submitted a loan-with-option-to-buy proposal — an offer designed to test United’s resolve over one of their brightest academy products.

The 19-year-old midfielder, who has become one of United’s few positives in a turbulent season, is now the subject of major debate inside Old Trafford’s corridors of power.

One insider told The Athletic:

“Napoli are serious. They’ve watched Mainoo closely for months and believe he can become the heartbeat of their midfield for the next decade.”

United’s Board Divided Over the Offer

Sources close to Manchester United claim the board is split over whether to entertain the deal.

Some members reportedly view the offer as smart financial business — an opportunity to cash in on a young player while his market value is soaring.

Others, however, believe selling Mainoo would be a huge mistake, both symbolically and tactically.

He’s widely seen as the future of United’s midfield — a technically gifted, homegrown player with composure far beyond his years.

A senior source at Old Trafford said:

“There’s concern about losing the wrong players. Mainoo is seen by many as untouchable, but with United’s financial pressures, nothing is guaranteed.”

Napoli’s Ambitious Plan

Napoli’s offer reportedly includes a loan for the rest of the season with an option to buy in the summer for around £45M — a structure that would allow them to stay within Serie A’s financial regulations while securing one of Europe’s most promising talents.

The Italian club’s scouts have been tracking Mainoo since last season, impressed by his tactical awareness, quick feet, and maturity on the ball.

Napoli manager Walter Mazzarri is said to be personally pushing for the deal, viewing Mainoo as the perfect addition to modernize their midfield alongside Stanislav Lobotka and Piotr Zieliński.

A source from Italy said:

“They believe Mainoo could be the next big export success story — like Jude Bellingham’s rise abroad. The plan is to give him freedom, experience, and confidence.”

United Fans Outraged Online

The reaction from Manchester United supporters has been fierce.

Within hours of the news breaking, social media was flooded with posts under hashtags #KeepMainoo and #NotForSale.

One fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter):

“If we sell Mainoo, the club has officially lost the plot. He’s the only one playing with passion right now.”

Another added:

“Loaning him out is madness — he’s our most complete midfielder since Carrick. Build around him, not away from him.”

Meanwhile, a minority of fans believe the deal could be smart business, arguing that United could reinvest the funds into multiple new signings next summer.

Ten Hag’s Position on Mainoo

Manager Erik ten Hag has reportedly made it clear that he does not want Mainoo to leave — even temporarily.

The Dutch coach has been heavily reliant on the teenager this season, often praising his maturity, discipline, and tactical understanding.

After Mainoo’s recent performance, Ten Hag said:

“He’s young, but he plays with the brain of a veteran. His future is very bright.”

Sources close to the manager told Sky Sports:

“Ten Hag sees Mainoo as untouchable. Losing him — especially to a foreign club — would send the wrong message about the club’s direction.”

Financial Pressures Behind the Scenes

United’s ownership structure remains in flux, and with new minority investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe pushing for financial restructuring, there’s pressure to make strategic player sales to fund reinforcements.

While Mainoo’s sale could ease short-term finances, many insiders fear it would spark backlash from fans and disrupt the long-term project of rebuilding United’s identity through youth.

A Premier League executive summed it up:

“If United sell Mainoo, it’ll show they’re prioritizing balance sheets over football. It would be a PR disaster.”

Conclusion: The Battle for Mainoo Begins

As January approaches, all eyes are on Manchester.

Will United hold firm and protect their academy gem — or will Napoli’s £45M lure prove too tempting in a turbulent financial period?

For now, the club insists Mainoo is going nowhere…

But in modern football, money talks louder than promises.