Napoli’s Title Pursuit: McTominay Advocates for Mainoo Transfer

The 28-year-old was honored as Serie A MVP for his crucial contribution to Napoli’s title victory under Antonio Conte last season. McTominay has seamlessly adapted to Italian football, joining a roster that includes other notable former Manchester United players making an impact for Conte’s squad.

Romelu Lukaku, who played two seasons with United, also proved vital for Napoli last year, netting 14 goals and providing 10 assists, helping the team edge past Inter to secure the Scudetto. However, Lukaku has yet to play this season, providing an opportunity for Rasmus Hojlund to shine after rejoining Serie A on a season-long loan.

McTominay believes Napoli should actively consider signing Kobbie Mainoo in the upcoming January transfer window, as the club aims to contend for the title once again. Mainoo has faced challenges securing playing time this season, accumulating only 138 minutes in league matches, with his sole start occurring during a defeat in the EFL Cup against Grimsby back in August.

Injured during United’s recent 2-2 draw with Tottenham, Mainoo had sought a move away from Old Trafford in the summer to gain regular playing time in a World Cup year. He has not appeared for England since his substitute performance against Ireland in the UEFA Nations League last September. Despite Mainoo’s intentions, United’s inability to recruit a new midfielder, despite interest in Carlos Baleba, led to the club rejecting the 20-year-old’s request to leave earlier this year.

United is anticipated to secure a new midfielder in January, with Baleba, Adam Wharton, and Elliot Anderson among potential targets. The addition of a new midfielder could facilitate Mainoo’s departure. According to SunSport, a source close to McTominay has urged Conte to consider signing Mainoo in January.

“Scott has communicated with Conte, advocating for Kobbie. He has shared insights into Mainoo’s strengths and highlighted what an excellent player he is. His background at United equips him to integrate smoothly into Napoli and bolster the squad, whether through a loan or a permanent transfer.”

Mainoo’s impressive development at United, nurtured since childhood within the academy, positions him as a promising addition for Napoli.

Napoli did acquire one central midfielder from the Premier League over the summer, with Kevin De Bruyne joining the team following his departure from Manchester City. The experienced Belgian made an immediate impact but will face a lengthy absence due to a thigh injury sustained after scoring a penalty in Napoli’s 3-1 victory over Inter last month. De Bruyne has contributed four league goals since his arrival.

Given De Bruyne’s injury, Napoli is likely to intensify their search for new players in January, with Mainoo already identified as a target.

On Sunday afternoon, Napoli will look to reclaim the top position in Serie A as they face Bologna at the Renato Dall’Ara. Following AC Milan’s 2-2 draw with Parma on Saturday night, Napoli currently sits in second place. Additionally, Roma will host Udinese, while Inter will welcome Lazio to the San Siro, contributing to a fiercely competitive Serie A title race where just one point separates the top four teams ahead of the final international break of the year.