Real Madrid has reportedly reached out to Manchester United regarding the potential signing of Kobbie Mainoo during the January transfer window and has received a response. TEAMtalk has provided insight on whether Manchester United would allow him to depart mid-season.
Mainoo has been largely sidelined at Manchester United this season, as manager Ruben Amorim has yet to start the midfielder in a Premier League match. The 20-year-old has appeared as a substitute 11 times in the league, totaling just 212 minutes of play.
His most recent appearance off the bench occurred in Man Utd’s 4-4 draw against Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Monday. The home crowd gave Mainoo a ‘rapturous applause’ upon his entry, though his half-brother, Jordan Mainoo-Hames, created a stir by wearing a ‘free Kobbie Mainoo’ T-shirt during the match.
According to Defensa Central, Real Madrid has expressed interest in Mainoo and contacted Manchester United to discuss a potential transfer. The report mentions that while PSG star Vitinha is the primary target for Madrid, Mainoo is considered an ‘alternative.’
Described as ‘a very complete player at such a young age,’ the report notes that Real Madrid is interested in him. Manchester United is reportedly asking for around €90 million (£79 million, $105.7 million) for Mainoo, whereas Madrid is unwilling to pay more than €50 million (£44 million, $58.7 million) for him.
Man Utd’s Position on Mainoo’s Future
Reports from Defensa Central can often be speculative, urging caution regarding the claims about Mainoo’s potential transfer. It seems unlikely that Real Madrid would invest €50 million in a 20-year-old midfielder who is not regularly featured in Manchester United’s first team.
While Madrid’s interest in Mainoo has been cited in Spanish media before, this is the first account indicating direct contact between the clubs regarding a January transfer. Sources have informed us that Manchester United has clearly communicated that Mainoo will not be sold during the January window. He is eager to secure a loan move for consistent first-team football, especially as he aims for a spot in the England squad for the 2026 World Cup. However, United remains resistant to letting him go.
