Kobbie Mainoo is now the focus of the £50 million transfer race between defending Serie A champions Napoli and Manchester United.
Napoli, with the ambition to conquer the Champions League, is ready to negotiate a 4-year contract for the 20-year-old midfielder. Notably, Mainoo is said to have expressed his wish to Man United's board for a move to Serie A.
However, the "Red Devils" are still haunted by the consequences of previously selling Scott McTominay to Napoli. Therefore, this time they immediately stopped Mainoo's recruitment efforts. However, the youngster is determined to leave Old Trafford before the end of the 2025 summer transfer window.
McTominay's case was a huge motivation for Mainoo to find a way out of Manchester. Allowed to join Antonio Conte's Napoli for £25 million last summer, the Scot has completely transformed.
The English player continuously had turning points in both domestic and European competitions. He became the first Scot to make the shortlist for the Ballon d'Or since the legendary Ally McCoist in 1987.
Under Conte, McTominay - a name that was often mocked and pushed out of the picture at Old Trafford - has become a key factor in Napoli's Serie A journey. The 28-year-old midfielder scored 12 goals in 34 domestic appearances, including the decisive goal on the closing day of the season, helping the team win the historic Scudetto.
It was this turning point that made Mainoo believe that Conte could make a similar impact on his career. Therefore, instead of considering short-term loan deals as before, the 20-year-old midfielder now wants to leave Man United with a long-term contract at Napoli.
Meanwhile, Conte also believes that Mainoo's agility, accurate passing ability and handling speed in tight spaces will be the key for Napoli to both defend Scudetto and go deep in the Champions League.
Although he is still considered a gem of the academy by many Man United fans, the English midfielder only has a contract until 2027. However, the negotiation process between the two sides has fallen into a deadlock, opening up an opportunity for Napoli to intervene.
According to British media, the "Red Devils" are willing to listen to offers for Mainoo, because his first-team opportunities have stagnated under coach Ruben Amorim.
The 20-year-old midfielder played the full 90 minutes in the penalty shootout defeat to Grimsby in the Carabao Cup, but was previously a reserve and was not used in both of the opening rounds of the Premier League.
Amorim insists Mainoo are in direct competition with captain Bruno Fernandes for a starting spot. This is a nearly impossible task in the current context.
Mainoo has had a difficult 12 months at Old Trafford, in contrast to the brilliant end of the 2023-2024 season when he participated in EURO with England.
While the players are struggling to adapt to the Portuguese captain's 3-defender system, Mainoo has continuously had to endure heavy failures. In February this year, injuries came again. When he returned, he continued to be limited in playing opportunities because Amorim focused all his efforts on the Europa League.
Remember, McTominay is not the only case of leaving Man United and then shining. Antony has played explosively for Real Betis, while Marcus Rashford has taken Aston Villa further in the Champions League, before joining Barcelona on loan.
Chelsea have also seen enough potential in winger Alejandro Garnacho to spend £40 million. Now, Napoli will be determined to accelerate the Mainoo deal before the transfer window ends.
