Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is reportedly ready to leave Old Trafford this summer, with the England international keen to seek a move abroad at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.
Mainoo, 19, has another two years left on his contract at Old Trafford, with the option of a further 12 months, but he is one of the lowest earners in the first-team squad on approximately £20,000 a week.
The midfielder is believed to be looking for around £180,000 a week to sign a new deal with the Red Devils, which the club are not thought to be willing to meet amid their financial problems.
According to The Guardian, Mainoo is expected to reject the chance to sign a new deal at Man United, with the Englishman looking to leave the Premier League behind this summer.
The report claims that the youngster wants to ‘seek a move abroad’, and Man United are open to a sale for around £70m.
© Imago
Mainoo ‘looking to leave Man United this summer’
Mainoo’s representatives have allegedly been in long discussions with Man United over a new deal, but the two parties are far apart when it comes to the midfielder’s salary demands.
Chelsea were heavily linked with the Red Devils academy product in January, but the winter transfer window closed with the midfielder still at Man United.
It has been a frustrating campaign for Mainoo, being restricted to just 25 appearances in all competitions due to injury problems, while he has only managed one goal and one assist.
The teenager has not registered a single goal or assist in the Premier League this term, and he has struggled to find a settled position in Ruben Amorim‘s 3-4-3 formation.
Mainoo was even used as a false nine against Crystal Palace in the Premier League at the start of February, but he struggled to make his mark and was replaced in the 70th minute of the clash.
The midfielder is currently on the sidelines with a muscular problem, and he will not be back until the start of April.
© Imago
Should Man United fight to keep Mainoo?
Mainoo has made 60 appearances for Man United, scoring six times and registering two assists in the process, and he was supposed to be a key part of their future, but his role at the club moving forward is now unclear.
If Mainoo wants to leave, then the Red Devils have to sell, and an exit would be incredibly beneficial for Man United from a business point of view, as any sale would count as pure profit under the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules.
However, if the midfielder is simply looking to get the deal that he feels he deserves, then Man United must pay it, as £180,000 a week is the going rate for a player of his class considering what other individuals collect at Old Trafford.
It is a situation to watch closely ahead of the summer transfer window, but if Mainoo does leave, then it will be easier for the Man United fans to accept if he departs for a foreign club.
