Manchester United are considering a loan deal with Conor Gallagher in January. This also means that Kobbie Mainoo could leave Old Trafford after no longer being used by coach Ruben Amorim.
Amorim has been keen to sign a new midfielder in the summer of 2025, with Brighton's Carlos Baleba as the top target. However, after spending more than £200 million to upgrade the attack for the 2025-2026 season, Man United have not added any more players in midfield.
The "Red Devils" are said to have contacted Atletico Madrid to ask to borrow the England international, but the Spanish team is only interested in a long-term contract. In addition, the former Chelsea player still wants to stay in La Liga. According to British media, Man United is expected to restart this deal in 2026.
Man United were expected to return with an initial loan deal, but this time comes with a £45 million buy-in clause in the summer of 2026. Gallagher is considered happy at Atletico, but he also wants to have the opportunity to play regularly to compete for a place in the 2026 World Cup.
This season, Gallagher has only started 4 matches in all competitions, and Man United can promise more playing opportunities, especially when their midfield is showing signs of doubt. Typically, Mainoo is not used regularly.
A successful deal with the former Chelsea star could see Mainoo dropped in the options list. He was praised as an adult under Erik ten Hag, but Mainoo's value has fallen since Amorim arrived. The club had previously prevented him from leaving on loan in the final week of the summer transfer window.
Mainoo has yet to start a Premier League game this season, while Manuel Ugarte has also been left out. Instead, Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes continue to be a key midfielder pair, despite both having certain problems that have worried fans.
Amorim has frankly expressed his desire to see more from the Man United academy-born player. Just over a year ago, Mainoo played in the EURO 2024 final for England.
"I didn't talk to him before the transfer window closed, because I didn't want Kobbie Mainoo to think I was just keeping him. I did it this week.
I have great confidence in him. He is a top player. But many people think Mainoo is perfect. I believe he can do better. For some people, talent is enough, but for him it is not. Maybe it's not fair, but I think I'm helping Mainoo," said the Man United captain.
Real Madrid are said to be one of the teams closely monitoring Mainoo's future. However, Los Blancos' leadership wants to prioritize the search for an experienced midfielder, while Mainoo still needs more time to accumulate.
However, his talent still makes a series of other big teams such as Napoli, Chelsea, Manchester City, Barcelona or Atletico Madrid pay attention.
According to British media, Man United are said to have valued the English midfielder at up to 90 million Euros. This is a record price for a self-taught player of the club, second only to Cristiano Ronaldo when he joined Real Madrid for 94 million Euros 16 years ago.
