Kobbie Mainoo likely to leave for pastures new in the winter as Tottenham try their best to land him
Tottenham’s midfield dilemma continues to trouble Thomas Frank as he searches for a long-term solution midway through the season. Given how crucial a progressive midfielder is in Frank’s system, the absence of a natural #8 in the squad could prove costly if it isn’t addressed in the upcoming transfer window. The North London club are in desperate need of a player who can partner effectively with João Palhinha in the centre of the park.
The recent results against AS Monaco and Aston Villa highlighted that Spurs need a midfielder who can make an impact at both ends of the pitch. Take Morgan Rogers’ goal for Villa as an example: Tottenham’s midfielders failed to close him down in time, allowing him a free strike from distance that found the back of the net with ease.
This incident underlined the need for a genuine box-to-box midfielder that is capable of contributing defensively while also offering creativity in the final third. Players like Lucas Bergvall, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Pape Matar Sarr bring defensive stability, but none of them possess the ability to carry the ball through tight spaces or create meaningful chances from midfield.
Tottenham eyeing a possible deal for Man United star Kobbie Mainoo
Recent reports suggest Tottenham are monitoring Kobbie Mainoo’s situation at Manchester United and could move for him if the right opportunity arises. The England international is unhappy at M16 after falling down the pecking order under Ruben Amorim. He wants regular game time and has relayed his desire to leave in a meeting with Amorim earlier this month.
Touted as one of the best talents in the country, Mainoo has all the attributes to become a world-class player in the future. The 20-year-old has already demonstrated his potential over recent seasons and possesses the technical quality and intelligence required to excel in the #8 role at a top club. With his best years still ahead of him, he is eager to play consistently this season to keep his World Cup ambitions alive.
That said, it might not be as easy as it sounds for the Lilywhites to land the talented midfielder. As per GiveMeSport, West Ham have also been monitoring Mainoo’s progress at M16 and are willing to bring him to the London Stadium if the right opportunity arises in the coming months. Nuno Espirito Santo is huge admirer of the Englishman and wants the Hammers to do everything it takes to land the youngster in January.
Even so, the opportunity to sign a player of Mainoo’s calibre is one Tottenham cannot afford to pass up. There may be few, if any, better options available in the market to fill the #8 role in Thomas Frank’s system at N17. The only potential obstacle is that the England international has no desire of leaving Manchester United on a permanent basis. As a result, the Lilywhites might only be able to bring him in on a short-term deal, with the likelihood that he would return to Old Trafford next summer.
Should Spurs still sign Mainoo for the second half of the campaign? Or should they look at long-term solutions instead? Let us know in the comments below.
