Kobbie Mainoo pushing to leave Manchester United

Napoli have intensified its pursuit of Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo , with reports confirming that the player himself is actively “pushing” for a loan move in January to secure regular first-team football.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport , the 20-year-old England international is the primary midfield target for the Partenopei’s winter transfer campaign. Napoli’s interest is urgent due to the long-term injury to Kevin De Bruyne and the upcoming absence of Frank Anguissa for the Africa Cup of Nations.

The report, via CalcioNapoli24 , states that there has been “new contact” between Napoli and Mainoo’s representatives, with both sides confirming mutual interest in a deal. The primary driving force behind the potential transfer is Mainoo’s ambition:

The player has managed only 138 minutes across seven Premier League appearances this season without a single start under manager Rúben Amorim. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, Mainoo’s camp believes he needs immediate and consistent playing time, and he is “pushing for a loan transfer in order to have more continuity” than he is currently receiving at Old Trafford.

Kaustubh Pandey I GIFN