Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo is firmly on Tottenham Hotspur’s radar for a possible January move
Despite Tottenham’s brilliant start to the new season, Thomas Frank is still struggling to find the right balance in midfield. The Danish tactician’s system relies heavily on his central players to progress the ball, carry it forward, and link up effectively with the wide men in the final third. However, as things stand, Frank does not appear to have a single player in his squad capable of consistently performing the role of a progressive midfielder.
The recent contract extension of Rodrigo Bentancur at N17 suggests that Frank is counting on the Uruguayan to fill that role, at least until the January transfer window opens. The former Juventus man has often been deployed alongside João Palhinha this season, but it’s fair to say that he lacks the attacking instinct and final-third presence needed to truly influence games going forward.
The same can be said for Pape Matar Sarr and Lucas Bergvall, both of whom have started the campaign strongly but may not yet have the consistency or creativity required to carry the midfield threat throughout the entire season. James Maddison’s unfortunate injury has proven to be a massive setback for Thomas Frank as his search for a progressive, ball-carrying midfielder goes on.
Tottenham must fend off competition for Kobbie Mainoo’s signature
Recent reports suggest that Tottenham are keen to sign Manchester United talent Kobbie Mainoo in January after failing to land him in the summer. The England international recently reiterated his desire to leave M16 after holding fresh talks with Ruben Amorim. He is currently not in contention to start for the Red Devils, prompting him to head for pastures new in the winter as he looks for regular game time in the second half of the season.
However, Spurs will need to fend off competition for the 20-year-old’s signature in the winter. As per TEAMtalk, Chelsea are also in the running for Mainoo’s services as they look to bolster their midfield for the second half of the campaign. The Blues are intent on signing the best emerging talents in world football, making them strong candidates for the England international’s signature.
But the aforementioned report also states that Mainoo’s first priority is to outlast Ruben Amorim at Manchester United. The 20-year-old is keen to make things work at Old Trafford, showing no intentions of leaving the Red Devils on a permanent transfer anytime soon. This makes it tough for Chelsea and Tottenham to land him on a long-term deal in the coming months.
Given that, it may be wiser for Spurs to shift focus toward alternative options in the upcoming window. Signing Mainoo on a short-term loan would do little to benefit the Lilywhites in the long-run. And it could, in fact, strengthen a direct rival when he eventually returns to Manchester United.
That said, much depends on Tottenham’s ambitions for the current season. If Thomas Frank’s side are prioritising short-term success, then a move for Mainoo makes perfect sense. The young midfielder would instantly slot into the starting eleven at N17, offering dynamism and progressive play in the middle of the park. His arrival could also help the Lilywhites compete across all four fronts as the season progresses.
