A fresh set of complications has emerged for Napoli in their pursuit of Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo in the January transfer window.
Heading into the January window, the number of transfer rumours has only accelerated in recent times, with this set to be a hectic one for the club.
With a growing injury list that now includes Bruno Fernandes, as well as AFCON absentees, the squad has taken a hit.
While it was obvious Manchester United were going to be busy for reinforcements, it might be that the club are even busier in terms of outgoings.
Joshua Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo have both been heavily in the spotlight, with the pair being unhappy with their game time this season.
Mainoos move to Napoli on ice
There has been no secret surrounding Mainoo’s unhappiness with his situation at the club.
Ever since the summer transfer window, Napoli, among other clubs, has been leading the race for the player, but the club have always rebuffed any move for the academy graduate. With Scott McTominay thriving in Naples and Rasmus Hojlund also there, it is no surprise that Mainoo wants to go.
However, a deal with Napoli may now be up in the air.
Corriere Dello Sport, via TuttoMercato Web have reported the findings from a recent review of the financial reports that Napoli submitted to the FIGC (Italian Football Federation). The Serie A champions are above the threshold for labour costs relative to revenue.
While formal confirmation is yet to arrive, according to the Italian outlet, Napoli are running on the basis that they have no money to spend in January, with only dry loans being permitted. Something United would not agree to regarding a move for Mainoo.
The Serie A side has switched focus to outgoings with the hope they can recoup money to improve their financial standings.
What does this mean for Mainoo?
Even with Napoli reportedly cooling their interest, there will still be no shortage of suitors for the midfielder across Europe and even in England, with Chelsea being the main side interested.
Although he is frustrated with his situation, he still has the opportunity to get back into the side. With Fernandes out injured for at least a month, a spot has opened up for him when he returns from his own calf injury.
Throughout this season, Ruben Amorim has reiterated that he sees Mainoo competing with the United captain for the same spot, so it would make sense that with Fernandes out, the young Englishman would get a consistent run in the side.
A move away should still not be ruled out, as it appears Mainoo is steadfast in his decision to leave for playing time to force his way into the England World Cup side.
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