Explained: The one condition that would prompt Chelsea to kickstart Kobbie Mainoo pursuit this month

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·9 gennaio 2025

Explained: The one condition that would prompt Chelsea to kickstart Kobbie Mainoo pursuit this month

To Manchester United fans’ dismay, Chelsea are waiting in the wings to try and capitalise on Kobbie Mainoo’s stagnant contract talks.

The prospect of losing their homegrown talent following his meteoric breakthrough is entirely unfathomable for the Old Trafford faithful, but after David Ornstein confirmed United would consider substantial bids in order to comply with financial limitations, it’s a pill they may eventually be forced to swallow.

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Mainoo is aiming to receive a pay increase on his £20,000-a-week wages, which you couldn’t really begrudge him after the instrumental role he’s played over the last season-and-a-half. Some outlets have claimed he is demanding around £200,000 per week to commit his long-term future to his boyhood club, which would see him immediately bumped to the top end of the side’s highest earners list.

With United reluctant to grant such a sizable pay rise this early into the 19-year-old’s senior career, Chelsea are plotting how they can prise him from Ruben Amorim’s grasp.

Why Chelsea could make mid-season move for Mainoo

Mainoo has only ever represented United. (Photo by Harriet Lander/Getty Images)

According to Times Sport, the Blues would consider igniting their pursuit of Mainoo this month ‘if they receive encouragement from the player’.

Their report adds: “United insist that they are not pushing Garnacho or other talented prospects like Kobbie Mainoo out of the club, but they need to raise money to make new signings as they are close to the limits under the Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR).”

Stockport-born Mainoo, who joined United’s academy aged nine, has shared snaps on numerous occasions showcasing his support for the club as a child, having come from a family of Reds. However, that might not be enough to keep him on board long-term.

That being said, he is on the books until 2027 plus the option of an additional 12 months, giving INEOS essentially full control over his short-term future.