Napoli's transfer plans are heating up, and they're not afraid to go back to Manchester United for more! With Kevin De Bruyne's injury leaving a gaping hole in their midfield, the Serie A giants are now eyeing a move for United's Kobbie Mainoo, a talented young midfielder who's fallen out of favor.
But here's the twist: Napoli had already signed De Bruyne on a free transfer from Manchester City in the summer, but the Belgian's injury woes have forced them to look for cover. Antonio Conte, the Napoli manager, is keen to bolster his midfield options as they battle on multiple fronts. And who better to turn to than the Premier League, a league renowned for its physicality and talent?
Sky Sports reports that Napoli's interest in Mainoo is genuine, and they're working on a deal for the January transfer window. The 20-year-old English midfielder has struggled for game time at United, making just eight appearances this season, with his only start coming in a Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby. With Ruben Amorim favoring other options in his 3-4-3 formation, Mainoo's future at United looks uncertain.
The transfer talk doesn't end there. United are open to letting Mainoo go, but only on loan with a purchase option. Mainoo, eager for more playing time, is reportedly tempted by the prospect of working with Conte, a manager with a proven track record at Chelsea and Tottenham. A permanent move could be on the cards in 2026, depending on how many appearances he makes in the second half of the season.
And it's not just Mainoo who might be heading to Italy. Joshua Zirkzee, another United forward who's struggled for game time, is also on Napoli's radar. The Dutch striker, who joined United from Bologna in 2024, has made just five appearances this season without scoring. He's keen on a loan move to revive his career, and Roma are leading the chase, with AC Milan also showing interest. But a move for Zirkzee would leave United short on striking options, especially after letting Rasmus Hojlund join Napoli.
So, will United let these players go? And if they do, what does it mean for their squad depth? It's a delicate balance between giving young talent a chance and ensuring the team has the necessary resources to compete. What do you think? Is it time for these players to seek new challenges, or should United hold on to their promising youngsters?
