There is a lot of conjecture over Kobbie Mainoo’s future at Manchester United. Of course, despite being a highly excellent player, the 20-year-old midfielder has yet to play a single minute of Premier League football this season, which could indicate that Ruben Amorim is not his biggest fan.
It’s a situation that has divided the Old Trafford fans; some are perplexed that selling Mainoo is even an option, while others believe he should wait and gain the trust of the Portuguese head coach, who is currently on thin ice.
According to a recent Guardian report, Mainoo, who has been one of Carrington’s best products in recent years, is eager to move on to other pastures in order to keep his career from stagnating. But which sides are vying for his signature?
Using betting odds from Sky Bet, who have identified the 12 teams who may sign Mainoo before the summer transfer window closes at the beginning of September, here are some of the more intriguing options for the Englishman.
Real Madrid are the runaway favorites.
Amorim may not be the central midfielder’s biggest admirer, but Real Madrid’s management, including Xabi Alonso, appears to like the Stockport-born talent. This summer, the Spanish tactician has acquired a number of young players to his side, including Dean Huijsen and Alvaro Carerras, and Mainoo might be the next.
Los Blancos are listed at 15/8, with Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid, who also play in La Liga, second favourites at 9/4. According to The Sun, both clubs are ‘keeping tabs’ on the engine room patroller, who shined for England at Euro 2024 by playing alongside Arsenal’s Declan Rice in a two-man midfield in the final against Spain.
Chelsea is the most likely Premier League destination.
Born and raised in England, Mainoo, who is widely considered as one of the best young players in the Premier League, would prefer to stay in his native country, and Chelsea are the most probable club in England’s top flight to sign the former FA Cup champion. At the time of writing, the capital club’s chances of reaching an agreement were put at 9/2.
As things stand, a move for Mainoo’s teammate Alejandro Garnacho is nearing completion; however, may the Englishman follow in the footsteps of the Argentine? The fact that Enzo Maresca and his team already have a plethora of center midfielders, like Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, Andrey Santos, and Romeo Lavia, may deter him from joining Chelsea.
Other English Clubs Are In The Running
Maresca’s Blues may be an appealing option for a player like Mainoo due to their European heritage and the prestige of the west London club, but they are not the only Premier League team that may pounce on a move for Mainoo. Brighton & Hove Albion, who are playing hardball with Amorim and his team’s pursuit of United-linked Carlos Baleba, are available at 13/2.
Everton (8/1), Aston Villa (17/2), Tottenham Hotspur (10/1) and Nottingham Forest (10/1) are four English clubs named by Sky Bet as potential destinations for the Old Trafford target, who has nine goals in 72 appearances for his current club’s senior team. However, it would be strange to see Mainoo wearing a different English shirt.
Moves to European Clubs Are Also Touted.
If Mainoo decides to quit his boyhood club before the summer transfer window closes, he may choose to relocate abroad. Bayern Munich (5/1) is one of Europe’s favourites to sign the teenager from Stretford, with Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain also interested.
Kobbie Mainoo – Manchester United Stats
Games
72
Minutes
8,537
Goals
7
Assists
2
Yellow/Red cards
11/0
Priced at 12/1, the former, nicknamed the Old Lady, could be looking for a new midfielder after loaning Douglas Luiz to Nottingham Forest, while the latter, the reigning Champions League winners, could make an offer to strengthen their midfield. Imagine Vitinha, Joao Neves, and Mainoo in the middle! Inter Milan, listed at 15/2, is also a contender for his highly talented services.
Kobbie Mainoo: Next Clubs Odds
Club
Odds
Real Madrid
15/8
Atlético Madrid
9/4
Chelsea
9/2
Bayern Munich
5/1
Brighton and Hove Albion
13/2
Inter Milan
15/2
Everton
8/1
Aston Villa
17/2
Tottenham Hotspur
10/1
Nottingham Forest
10/1
Juventus
12/1
Paris Saint Germain
12/1
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