Could Manchester United be on the verge of losing a player once hailed as “the best in the squad” by Alejandro Garnacho? The clock is ticking on Kobbie Mainoo’s potential £50m move to Napoli. The Red Devils have a massive decision to make. What do you think will happen before the transfer deadline?

Manchester United finds itself at a pivotal juncture, facing a significant decision regarding the future of highly-rated midfielder Kobbie Mainoo. Despite widespread acclaim, including glowing praise from teammate Alejandro Garnacho, Mainoo’s potential £50 million transfer to Napoli before the deadline looms large, sending ripples through Old Trafford.

Mainoo’s emergence as a key figure for the Red Devils has been meteoric over the past two seasons. The young English midfielder demonstrated immense promise, scoring spectacular goals and delivering man-of-the-match performances, notably against a formidable rival in 2024. These displays firmly established him as a cornerstone of United’s future plans, contributing to the ongoing discussion about Premier League talent.

It was following one such memorable clash that Alejandro Garnacho, a close friend and teammate, publicly lauded Mainoo. “Just incredible,” Garnacho remarked, adding, “I always say, for me, he’s the best player in the squad and he’s the youngest.” This extraordinary commendation underscored Mainoo’s exceptional talent within a squad replete with high-calibre players, making Garnacho Comments particularly noteworthy.

Despite Mainoo’s evident value, negotiations for an extension to his contract, which currently runs until 2027, have reportedly stalled. This impasse has opened the door for potential suitors, with Napoli FC keenly monitoring the situation. Manchester United, however, has set a firm £50 million valuation on the midfielder, reflecting his perceived worth and adding a layer of complexity to the Manchester United Transfer saga.

United’s cautious approach to Mainoo’s potential departure is undoubtedly influenced by the remarkable success of another former player, Scott McTominay, at Napoli. McTominay’s impactful performances in Serie A after his £25 million move last summer serve as a stark reminder of the talent the club could lose if Kobbie Mainoo makes the switch to Italy.

Recent weeks have seen Mainoo’s role within the squad appear to diminish. Under the current manager, he has started only 16 of 44 games and was notably left on the bench for consecutive Premier League matches this season. While he featured in the EFL Cup, his reduced league minutes have fueled speculation regarding his desire for a move, contributing to the football transfers narrative.

A viral video capturing Mainoo’s visibly disheartened reaction after a recent draw further intensified rumours of his imminent exit ahead of the Monday transfer deadline. Ironically, this unfolds as Alejandro Garnacho himself prepares for a move, with United reportedly agreeing to a £40 million deal for his services, highlighting a period of significant player movement for the club.

Should Mainoo indeed make the transfer to Napoli, he will aim to emulate the success of predecessors like McTominay and establish himself as a key player in Serie A. The decision facing Manchester United is complex, balancing financial gain with the loss of a highly-praised young talent at Old Trafford, underscoring the high stakes involved in the Kobbie Mainoo situation.