Kobbie Mainoo is considering rejecting a new contract offer at Manchester United and seeking a move abroad. With two years remaining on his current deal, the club is open to selling the midfielder, valuing him at around £70m to help improve their financial situation.
The Stockport-born academy graduate, who turns 20 in April, has been part of United since the age of six and made his first-team debut at 17. With 10 England caps to his name, Mainoo has made 60 appearances for the club. Negotiations over a contract extension have been ongoing but have yet to reach a resolution. Though he has been linked with Chelsea, he is currently not considering a move to another Premier League club.
Mainoo earns approximately £20,000 a week, and his representatives are pushing for a wage increase that better reflects his role in the squad. United still hope to secure an agreement on improved terms, but if an extension is not signed, selling him would provide a financial boost to their transfer budget. Losing a homegrown talent, however, would be a difficult pill for fans to swallow, particularly as the club undergoes a rebuild.
United would seek to maximize the sale price of Mainoo, as any transfer fee would count as pure profit, given his development within the club’s academy. Players generally see their market value decline when they enter the final two years of their contracts, so the timing of a potential sale is a key consideration. At this stage, there has been no direct contact with other clubs regarding a transfer.
Mainoo had been a regular starter before a calf injury in February. The coaching staff assessed his performances and adjusted his role on the field. Initially struggling in a defensive midfield position, he has since been deployed closer to the opposition box, where his technical ability and close control have been more effective. The club’s head coach acknowledged his improvement, emphasizing his strong potential but noting that he is not yet a finished product.
During the winter transfer window, both Mainoo and fellow academy graduate Alejandro Garnacho were reportedly available for sale if the right offer came in. Financial difficulties at the club have been a pressing issue, particularly since the arrival of new investment. Cost-cutting measures have already led to significant staff layoffs, with further reductions planned.
While Mainoo’s future remains uncertain, the club faces a crucial decision on whether to convince him to stay or capitalize on his transfer value. The coming months will likely determine the midfielder’s next move and whether he continues his development in Manchester or takes his talents abroad.
