Real Madrid could sign Kobbie Mainoo in January

The white club is closely following the young English player, although his arrival will depend on internal movements within the squad.

Raúl Cabrera Jiménez | 13 Sep 2025 | 22.00
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Mainoo celebrating a goal with Manchester United
Mainoo celebrating a goal with Manchester United

UEFA Champions League
1 X 2
Olympiacos Real Madrid
26/11/25 21:00:00
7.00 5.00 1.38

Real Madrid continues to keep a close eye on strengthening its squad for the future. At Valdebebas, they are not only working towards the summer of 2026, but also considering moves for the upcoming winter transfer window.

Among the names that have gained traction in recent weeks is Kobbie Mainoo, a 20-year-old English midfielder who plays for Manchester United and is reportedly not going through his best moment at Old Trafford, as reported by Defensa Central.

Mainoo has made it clear to the Red Devils' board of directors his intention to take a step forward in his career, but Rúben Amorim's technical decisions have kept him on the sidelines. With no minutes in important matches and an uncertain future, the midfielder is seriously considering a change of scenery. In this scenario, Real Madrid has entered the conversation, albeit with very specific conditions.

Kobbie Mainoo, a conditional option for Real Madrid

The white club, led by Florentino Pérez and the sporting management, does not rule out his arrival in January 2026. However, for this move to materialize, two scenarios must unfold that would create an opening in Xabi Alonso's squad.

Mainoo playing for Manchester United

The first scenario involves the possibility of a serious injury in the midfield. The coaching staff believes the current roster of midfielders is sufficient, but a long-term physical setback would necessitate a market reaction. In that case, Mainoo would be one of the top contenders to land at the Santiago Bernabéu.

The second scenario is related to Dani Ceballos. The Sevilla native was very close to moving to Olympique de Marseille in the summer, but the deal fell through at the last moment. However, the exit door remains open. If a convincing offer arrives in January, Real Madrid will not oppose his transfer. This vacant space would facilitate the young Englishman's inclusion, who has already expressed his desire to play in Spain to his inner circle.

Beyond these conditions, the club has no plans to alter its roadmap. The sporting management believes that the midfield has the generational transition covered with players like Arda Güler and Franco Mastantuono, alongside established pieces still performing at a high level. Therefore, unless an exceptional circumstance arises, there will be no immediate movements.

Meanwhile, Mainoo himself continues to pressure Manchester United to find an exit. At just 20 years old, the player understands that he needs continuity and prominence, something he is not experiencing under Rúben Amorim's management. His inner circle is working on finding a club that can guarantee him minutes, with Real Madrid emerging as the player's most desired option, albeit not the easiest to materialize.

The young Englishman has an interesting profile: young, with quality in ball distribution and defensive work rate. Exactly the type of midfielder that would fit into Xabi Alonso's philosophy. However, the club's sporting priorities require patience.

Therefore, Mainoo's future remains uncertain. Real Madrid has him on their list, but only extraordinary circumstances would open the door to his arrival in January. The Englishman dreams of wearing white, but for now, his landing in the capital will depend on factors beyond his control.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El Real Madrid podría fichar a Kobbie Mainoo en enero