The four clubs Kobbie Mainoo could join amid Man Utd exit

Kobbie Mainoo emerged from Carrington as the latest jewel of Manchester United’s academy, quickly impressing fans and pundits alike with his technical skill and a maturity beyond his years.

His first full season with the senior side was sensationally capped off with a goal in Man Utd’s 2-1 FA Cup final win over Manchester City in 2023-24, and his performances earned him a spot in England’s 2024 European Championship squad.

Mainoo was one of England’s standout performers as they progressed to the final, where the Three Lions ultimately lost 2-1 to Spain, but his performances only increased the hype and anticipation of the midfielder’s future career.

However, since Ruben Amorim has replaced Erik ten Hag at Manchester United, Mainoo has struggled to secure a spot in the first team, highlighted by failing to appear in either of Man Utd’s first two Premier League games in 2025-26, and with the 2026 World Cup approaching at the end of the campaign, there are reports that the midfielder is looking for a move away in search of more first team football.

Fans have been extremely disappointed with reports of Mainoo’s potential departure, with the midfielder viewed as the future of the club, and some of the rumoured destinations are only further enraging the Red Devils faithful.

Here, Sports Mole looks at the four clubs that Mainoo could join amid Man Utd exit rumours.

Chelsea were first linked with an ambitious move for Mainoo in January 2025, and with the midfielder’s reported unrest at his current situation, the Blues are reportedly interested once again this summer.

Chelsea have consistently made moves for the best young players across the world since Todd Boehly’s takeover, and Mainoo certainly fits that profile, with the Englishman being one of the most promising talents in the Premier League.

While Mainoo would face competition at Stamford Bridge, with Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo currently forming a formidable partnership, the midfielder may fancy his chances of breaking into the starting team, while the prospect of Champions League football could also be of interest.

Manchester United would surely be hesitant to strengthen a Premier League rival, while the move would certainly enrage Red Devils fans, meaning any move may require a significant transfer fee to be offered.

Tottenham Hotspur have been in the market for a midfielder throughout the summer window, having first failed in their pursuit of Morgan Gibbs-White before being rejected by Eberechi Eze, while James Maddison has also suffered an ACL injury that will rule him out for a majority of the season.

With Mainoo having featured in both the attacking midfield position and in a deeper role during his time for England and Man Utd, new Spurs manager Thomas Frank could be tempted to bring the talented youngster to the club.

Tottenham have already shown their trust in young talent, with the likes of Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall particularly promising last term, and this could be an opportunity that Mainoo fancies.

However, in a similar situation to a potential Chelsea move, Man Utd are unlikely to want to strengthen a direct rival unless a significant offer is received, while it would again enrage supporters.

Real Madrid are one of the latest teams to have had interest in Mainoo reported by various sources, with Los Blancos supposedly keeping tabs on the England international as the situation progresses.

There are reports that Real Madrid may favour a season-long loan move for the midfielder, and a move to one of the world’s biggest teams could be of interest to Mainoo as he aims to put himself back in the spotlight ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

There has been consistent talk of Real Madrid’s need for a midfielder who can dictate the tempo following Toni Kroos’s retirement, while the departure of Luka Modric this summer makes further room in the midfield department for Mainoo to fill.

A move to Real Madrid would see Mainoo link up with Three Lions teammate Jude Bellingham, who Los Blancos believe the Man Utd star could learn from if a move to the Santiago Bernabeu happens.

Real Madrid are not the only Spanish giant interested in Mainoo’s signature, with rivals Atletico Madrid also reportedly set to join the race to sign the talented midfielder.

A move to Atletico Madrid would also offer the chance to compete at the highest level in both La Liga and the Champions League, while linking up with Conor Gallagher and learning from Diego Simeone could be of interest to Mainoo.

Atletico Madrid also supposedly prefer a loan move with a potential option to buy, but with Man Utd reportedly unwilling to listen to loan deals and only willing to listen to significant transfer fees, this move is unlikely to happen.

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