Kobbie Mainoo has been a standout player for Manchester United this season, outshining many of his teammates. Real Madrid is facing the prospect of replacing iconic midfielders Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, who both have contracts expiring in the summer and could potentially leave the club. In light of this, Real Madrid is considering options to cover for their potential departures, with players like Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Federico Valverde excelling in Carlo Ancelotti’s midfield this season. Real Madrid is seeking a midfielder with the ability to progress the ball through the thirds with high quality, and they believe that Mainoo fits this profile and could thrive, particularly alongside Camavinga.
It is noted that Mainoo and Camavinga share the same representatives, which Real Madrid might see as an advantage in potential transfer negotiations. However, Manchester United is highly unlikely to sell their promising young player, as Mainoo has already secured a regular starting position in Erik ten Hag’s midfield at just 18 years old and earned his first senior England caps in March. Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is a strong supporter of Kobbie Mainoo and sees him as a player with the potential to shine for the club for many years. Ten Hag was impressed with Mainoo and fellow academy graduate Willy Kambwala in their recent match against Liverpool, expressing optimism for the future of the team with more players becoming available.
In addition, Real Madrid has also been linked with Chelsea wing-back Reece James. The potential sale of high-value academy graduates by Chelsea this summer is seen as a measure to avoid breaching profit and sustainability regulations.