Manchester United fans received the most unexpected transfer news recently as reports of Kobbie Mainoo being potentially open for a sale circulated.
As the symbol of modern Manchester United, Kobbie Mainoo is probably the last name fans would have expected to see on the sale sheet.
However, so precarious is Man Utd’s financial situation, that the board is even considering this as a viable idea which is a damning indictment of the Glazers’ legacy too.
Still, the club being “reluctantly” open to a sale is a long way away from the player’s transfer being a genuine possibility. Fabrizio Romano has set the record straight on what’s happening with Mainoo.
Fabrizio Romano on Kobbie Mainoo latest
When the list of players who are expendable at Man Utd is made, one would bet on the fact that Kobbie Mainoo will be at the bottom of that list, if on it at all.
Therefore, when the report dropped that Mainoo was also among the players United would listen to offers for, the Man Utd fanbase reacted in the same way.
The scare was heightened when Premier League rivals Chelsea were mentioned as the leaders in the race for his signature if it were to happen.
However, Romano, speaking on his YouTube channel, has now set the record straight on the situation which would be of much delight to United fans.
He said: “I think it’s absolutely normal for all top clubs in the world to appreciate a player like Kobbie Mainoo. You can’t not love a talent like Mainoo especially if you’re an English club but that’s it at the moment.
“At this point, there are no negotiations with any other club, no bids on the table, the situation is completely quiet. The player is under contract till 2027 with an option till 2028 so it’s not a desperate situation.
“Manchester United want to extend the contract. Many things changed at the club and it can also change the rhythm of the negotiations. There is no agreement right now but the conversation remains ongoing.”
Kobbie Mainoo story could be public posturing by Man Utd
Pleading poverty has become the go-to move for Man Utd under Ineos and Sir Jim Ratcliffe but the same wasn’t reflected in the summer transfer window.
United kept pleading poverty and then spent nearly £200 million, although the money from sales did help that case quite a bit.
- READ MORE: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2024/25
Ultimately, letting everyone know you’re full of money is never the right way to go about negotiations, especially when you have a reputation to restore in the market after years of wasting by the Glazers.
Putting out the story that the financial situation is so dire they’re willing to sell the two crown jewels of the academy- Mainoo and Garnacho, could be a part of that public posturing.
United are expected to be extremely active in the January window, with their links to Randal Kolo Muani and Nuno Mendes, along with multiple potential sales.
In that situation, letting the footballing world know that they’ll walk away from deals due to their dire finances could be a good negotiating tactic.
That’s what United fans will hope is the case and Romano lends credence to it. Because actually selling Mainoo will be catastrophic!
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