Manchester United have reopened contract negotiations with Kobbie Mainoo’s representatives in a bid to secure the midfielder’s long-term future amid growing interest from Chelsea.
Mainoo, 19, was in discussions over a lucrative new deal before talks stalled ahead of the winter transfer window. During that time, reports surfaced that Chelsea were leading the chase should United decide to sell.
As a homegrown academy graduate, United would earn 100% profit from any transfer. With Mainoo’s valuation reportedly between £70 million and £80 million, his sale could provide a significant financial boost.
Last month, United announced plans for further job redundancies, having already cut 250 roles last year. The club also admitted during the transfer window that they were at risk of breaching the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Despite this, United remain determined to keep Mainoo, who is currently one of the lowest-paid players in Ruben Amorim’s squad.
Talks have now resumed, with Mainoo’s representatives pushing for a new deal worth around £180,000 per week—significantly more than his current £20,000-a-week salary. The midfielder, under contract until 2027 after signing a long-term deal in 2023, is seen as a key part of United’s future.
According to The Mail, United are hopeful of reaching a compromise to ensure Mainoo remains central to Amorim’s midfield plans. The 10-time England international has been sidelined since February 7 with a calf injury and is unlikely to be called up by new Three Lions manager Thomas Tuchel for this month’s World Cup qualifiers.
Both Mainoo and fellow youngster Alejandro Garnacho were linked with January exits, but Amorim wants to keep the pair. When asked in January about tough decisions regarding player sales due to PSR concerns, Amorim made his stance clear.
“That part is true,” he admitted. “But I want players like Kobbie and Garnacho.
“Our focus must be on improving the academy and bringing more players through. That’s something all English clubs need to take advantage of—developing homegrown talent to play for the club and, when necessary, to sell them. Our priority is to produce more top-quality players.”
