Kobbie Mainoo is no longer considered untouchable at Manchester United, according to reports. Chelsea are preparing to exploit the stalemate in contract negotiations.
Mainoo is sticking with the contract he signed in February 2023, worth around £20,000 a week, and has made limited progress in negotiating a sweet new deal, leading to reports that Chelsea are “in the race” for him leading the young midfielder.
According to the Daily MailMainoo is looking for a new weekly salary of around £200,000. However, United want to cut his wages and the reluctance leaves Mainoo believing he could find a better contract elsewhere. Actually, the Manchester Evening News even going so far as to claim that the 19-year-old was unhappy with United’s original contract proposal.
During the summer, Mainoo was one of a small group of players who were considered untouchable, but The athlete State, that is no longer the case. There is by no means an active desire to sell Mainoo, but his status as an Academy graduate means his sale would generate pure profit, which is incredibly valuable in the age of Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
Mainoo could be available at the right price along with fellow youngster Alejandro Garnacho, who was signed from Atletico Madrid in 2021 for just £420,000, although United are unwilling to suggest a transfer fee as they do not intend to lose either player.
The Guardian Add Rasmus Hojlund to the list of players no longer considered untouchable. New co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe believes selling players is vital to running a successful club and will make suitable offers for each player.
Even last summer’s signings Leny Yoro, Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt, Manuel Ugarte and Joshua Zirkzee are said to be available at the right price, which is more of an indication of United’s desire to avoid PSR sanctions than actual ones valuable players to sell.