Tottenham Hotspur target Kobbie Mainoo is looking to move to pastures new in the winter to keep his World Cup hopes alive
Tottenham are in urgent need of reinforcements this winter as they look to maintain their positive start to the new season. The Lilywhites currently sit third in the Premier League after winning five of their opening nine matches. They are also unbeaten in Europe, having collected five points from their first three Champions League games.
However, despite their encouraging results across all competitions, the North Londoners still have some glaring issues within the squad that need to be addressed. The top priority for Spurs in January should be to sign a new midfielder. Thomas Frank relies heavily on his midfielders to create chances from deep and play progressive passes into the final third.
At present, Spurs lack a naturally progressive midfielder capable of operating in tight spaces and linking up fluidly with the attackers. Frank needs a player who can complement Joao Palhinha’s game and operate effectively as a No. 8 in central midfield. Lucas Bergvall, Pape Matar Sarr, and Rodrigo Bentancur have all been tested in that role this season, but none have managed to make the position their own.
Tottenham might miss out on Manchester United talent Kobbie Mainoo
Recent reports suggested that Tottenham had identified Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo as the long-term solution to their midfield concerns. The Lilywhites viewed him as a key investment for the future and were prepared to fend off competition from other clubs to secure his signature in the coming months. Their hopes were further boosted by reports that Mainoo had expressed a desire to leave Old Trafford in January after falling down the pecking order under Ruben Amorim.
However, there has now been a major twist in the transfer saga involving the England international. According to The Sun, Manchester United have made it clear that they are unwilling to consider any offers for the 20-year-old during the winter window. Mainoo, who was previously linked with a move to Spurs in the summer, now looks set to remain at Old Trafford — at least for the time being.
United’s firm stance on the player is largely influenced by the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations. The tournament is scheduled to begin in mid-December and will run until mid-January, which will see Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, and Noussair Mazraoui depart for international duty. With several key players set to be unavailable during this period, the Red Devils cannot afford to lose any more squad depth in midfield.
This development comes as a major setback for Tottenham, who must now identify alternative targets before the January transfer window opens. While the current crop of players at N17 still have an opportunity to impress Thomas Frank, it appears increasingly likely that the club will move decisively for a new midfielder to partner Joao Palhinha in the centre of the park. Fans remain hopeful that the North London club will act swiftly to resolve the issue and secure the right signing in time for the second half of the season.
So, what course of action must Tottenham look to take? Let us know in the comments below.
