Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly made a stunning move to secure Kobbie Mainoo, the highly rated Manchester United midfielder, with an estimated £45 million contract on the table. Reports suggest Spurs have edged past interest from Chelsea FC and Manchester City, making progress where other clubs could not.
However, the story is more nuanced than early headlines suggest. Manchester United have no intention to sell, despite speculation and informal inquiries from rivals .
✨ Spurs in Pole, But Mainoo May Stay at Unite
Tottenham’s interest in Mainoo first emerged after United reportedly stalled on renewing his contract. Spurs have explored a move for a player they consider extremely intelligent and capable, admired by pundits such as Bastian Schweinsteiger . Chelsea has long been linked with Mainoo as well, seen as a valuable homegrown target should United hesitate .
Reports indicate that Tottenham’s proposed deal is worth around £45 million, designed to lure Mainoo away from Old Trafford. That figure represents a substantial premium over what United value him at—but without United’s cooperation, it may not materialize
Manchester United confidence stems from their view of Mainoo as part of the club’s future. The player, aged 20, made 37 senior appearances last season and has reportedly used pre-season to impress manager Ruben Amorim rather than pushing for a move .
🔄 United’s Deal Talks Stall—Money, Role, and Tensions
Mainoo is currently earning around £25,000 per week, but his agent is understood to be demanding up to £180,000/week plus bonuses, a level that United see as excessive given his current role . While United considered offers in the £70–80 million range in case of continued stalemate, they have made clear that the player is not for sale at present .
The club has offered a long-term contract with improved terms, but insiders suggest negotiations remain tense. Despite calls from fans and club legends to bring Mainoo closer into first-team plans, his long-term role remains unclear .
🧠 Mainoo’s Profile: Intelligence on the Ball, Need for Confidence
Mainoo is widely admired for his composure, dribbling, and midfield IQ. Gibraltar’s former coach Rio Ferdinand likened his playing style to Clarence Seedorf, while fellow United legend Paul Scholes praised his calm presence and big-game mentality . Still, observers note that last season he attempted just 15 shots, only two on target, and underperformed physically in duels—areas Tottenham hope to unlock with a fresh opportunity at N17 .
✅ What’s Next: Pre‑Season Showdown and Contract Crucial
Manchester United remain steadfast in including Mainoo in their future structures, with renewed contract talks reportedly underway. Negotiations continue, with the club keen to embrace him as a central figure in their rebuild, while Mainoo aims to cement a place ahead of the 2026 World Cup .
If Mainoo refuses to sign and insists on leaving, Chelsea and Tottenham remain interested—but as of today, no deal is finalized, and Manchester United have publicly emphasized that they are not actively selling .
📝 Conclusion
Despite bold headlines suggesting Tottenham have “won the race” for Kobbie Mainoo on a £45 million contract, sources within Manchester United and a host of reports make clear: no transfer is yet agreed nor even formally on the table. Pre-season performances and internal negotiations will likely determine whether this promising young English midfielder stays at Old Trafford—or embarks on a new chapter in north London.
