Kobbie Mainoo at Centre of £79m Man United–Real Madrid Swap Deal

Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has been linked with a potential January exit, as the club prepare for what could be a pivotal winter transfer window.

With financial fair play restrictions limiting United’s spending power, sales may be necessary before new arrivals can be secured. Reports suggest that both Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee could depart, with Napoli monitoring Mainoo and both West Ham and Roma interested in Zirkzee.

However, departures are far from guaranteed, as United boss Ruben Amorim will need to consider the impact of losing key players during the Africa Cup of Nations, with Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, and Noussair Mazraoui all set to be unavailable.

United Eye Bold Tchouameni Swap

According to reports in Spain, Manchester United recently saw a £79 million bid rejected by Real Madrid for French midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni. The Spanish giants remain adamant that the 24-year-old is not for sale, given his growing importance under Xabi Alonso.

But United could attempt to tempt Madrid with an alternative proposal — a player-plus-cash swap involving Kobbie Mainoo.

Mainoo, 20, is considered one of United’s brightest academy graduates and could appeal to Madrid as a long-term successor to Tchouameni. With a market valuation of around £40 million, United could offer Mainoo plus an additional £40 million to bridge the gap and test Real’s resolve.

It would be a bold move — and one that could transform United’s midfield for years to come. Tchouameni has made 17 appearances across all competitions this season and is widely regarded as one of Europe’s top holding midfielders.

For Madrid, the deal could seem risky. Yet with several former United players — including Scott McTominay and Marcus Rashford — finding renewed form abroad, Los Blancos might see value in nurturing Mainoo’s raw talent.

Amorim and Scholes Defend Mainoo’s Future

Despite his limited minutes this season, Ruben Amorim has been clear that Mainoo remains in his plans.

“I want Kobbie Mainoo to stay,” Amorim said earlier in the campaign. “He needs to fight for his place, and we need him. That’s not going to change.”

Club legend Paul Scholes has also urged patience with the young midfielder:

“He’s not the finished product yet, but he’s United’s brightest spark — someone who could be here for the next five to ten years.”

Whether United stand firm or sacrifice Kobbie Mainoo in pursuit of a world-class enforcer like Tchouameni, January promises to be another defining chapter in the club’s rebuild.