Juventus Eyes Kobbie Mainoo as Next Paul Pogba

Kobbie Mainoo transfer talk is heating up as Juventus intensifies its pursuit of the Manchester United midfielder, drawing comparisons to the club’s legendary acquisition of Paul Pogba over a decade ago. With Mainoo’s Old Trafford future in question, the 20-year-old is fast becoming a top target for several Serie A giants.

Kobbie Mainoo On Juventus Radar as ‘Pogba 2.0’

Reports from Italy suggest that Juventus are closely monitoring Mainoo’s situation, convinced that the England international could be their next transformative midfield signing. Tutto Juve describes Mainoo as a “talent which conquers half of Europe” and notes that the player is highly regarded in Turin, with Juventus believing he could emulate Pogba’s path: leaving Manchester United as an underutilized prospect and blossoming into a world-class midfielder in Serie A.

Napoli, too, remains in the race, reportedly making Mainoo a priority as they look to bolster their midfield. While Manchester United acknowledges Mainoo’s potential, his limited first-team opportunities this season have left the door open for interest from abroad.

Comparisons to Pogba’s United Exit

The parallels with Pogba’s initial move to Juventus are hard to ignore. Pogba left United in 2012 as a 19-year-old seeking playing time and went on to become one of the world’s best midfielders, commanding a then-record return transfer fee back to Old Trafford in 2016. Mainoo, a product of the Carrington academy, finds himself in a similar situation—often overlooked for major minutes despite his clear abilities.

Limited Role Under Amorim Raises Questions

Mainoo’s frustration stems from a lack of meaningful involvement under manager Ruben Amorim. The midfielder has logged only 170 Premier League minutes this season, despite being a ten-cap England international. Amorim insists he trusts Mainoo’s talent but has so far been reluctant to offer him consistent playing time—a recurring theme among United’s young prospects.

Mainoo’s Stance and Possible Exit

Mainoo is said to have made his desire to leave Old Trafford clear in search of more game time. However, Amorim has publicly stated that any January departures will only be sanctioned if they align with the club’s best interests, noting, “The club comes first… I want my players happy, but Manchester United comes first.”

With the January transfer window approaching, Mainoo’s situation is becoming increasingly pressing. The recent home defeat to Everton and the end of United’s unbeaten run have intensified scrutiny on squad rotation and player morale. Mainoo’s 32-minute appearance in that match was his longest since August, yet there’s little sign his role will expand in the near future.

Kobbie Mainoo Transfer Links Grow as January Nears

Speculation about Mainoo’s future is expected to escalate as clubs like Juventus and Napoli weigh formal offers. Former Arsenal star Stefan Schwarz has even urged Mainoo to consider a move to the Emirates, citing Arsenal’s excellent track record with young players and Mikel Arteta’s willingness to give them opportunities.

United’s European ambitions and a congested schedule make it difficult for Amorim to satisfy every squad member, potentially paving the way for Mainoo’s exit. With interest from Serie A and advice from respected voices in football, Mainoo’s next decision could define his career trajectory.

What Next for Mainoo and Manchester United?

Mainoo’s situation mirrors Pogba’s in many ways, and the coming months could see history repeat itself if Juventus succeeds in luring him to Italy. For Manchester United, retaining such a promising talent will require both trust and opportunity—something that has proven elusive for Mainoo so far.

Opinion: Mainoo Needs the Right Environment to Flourish

It’s clear that Mainoo has the potential to follow in Pogba’s footsteps, but to truly fulfill his promise, he needs consistent opportunities at a club willing to invest in young talent. Whether that’s at Manchester United or elsewhere remains to be seen. What’s certain is that Mainoo’s next move will be pivotal—not just for his own development but for any club willing to trust his ability.

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