Kobbie Mainoo is once again the center of transfer speculation, as reports from Italy suggest Juventus and Napoli are circling the Manchester United midfielder. The 20-year-old, hailed for his composure and vision, recently featured in United’s clash against Everton — clocking just over 30 minutes, the most he has played since August.
Italian media outlets have taken notice of his re-emergence, dubbing him “Pogba 2.0” due to the striking parallels between his current career path and that of former United midfielder Paul Pogba. Just like Pogba, Mainoo is facing limited game time at Old Trafford and could be tempted by the promise of a bigger role elsewhere — especially with European giants keen on developing young talent.
Juventus, under Antonio Conte, are reportedly monitoring Mainoo closely. According to TuttoJuve, the Serie A side sees him as a high-potential addition to their midfield, following the footsteps of Pogba, who joined them from Manchester United at the age of 19. Napoli also remain interested, having previously been linked with United midfielders like Scott McTominay. Their success in luring Rasmus Hojlund only adds weight to the likelihood that Mainoo could be the next target.
The term “Pogba 2.0” isn’t just media hype—it speaks to a deeper concern at Manchester United: the inability to fully integrate young talent into the first team. Mainoo, a product of United’s academy, has shown flashes of brilliance but remains on the fringes of regular action. With United currently facing midfield inconsistencies, many fans believe he deserves more opportunities.
However, reports claim that new manager Ruben Amorim may not see Mainoo as a part of his long-term plans. If this is true, the Portuguese coach could greenlight a January exit, especially if the club receives a tempting offer. Juventus are known for snapping up undervalued young talent and giving them a platform to shine, and Mainoo could fit that mold perfectly.
Despite the growing interest from Italy, Manchester United are said to be divided on the player’s future. Letting go of a technically gifted, homegrown midfielder might not sit well with the board or fans who have witnessed the club lose similar talents in the past. The memory of Pogba’s initial departure still lingers—especially after watching him flourish in Turin before returning for a record fee.
Mainoo’s case is particularly sensitive because he’s one of the few emerging academy stars who could realistically break into the first team, if given consistent minutes. Selling him in January might bring short-term financial gain, but could be another long-term regret.
For Juventus, securing Mainoo could be a strategic coup. With Paul Pogba currently facing off-field issues and likely to exit the club soon, the Italian side is searching for a dynamic young midfielder to reshape their midfield for the future. Mainoo’s technical profile—agile, press-resistant, and intelligent—makes him an ideal candidate.
Napoli’s interest also remains, and with the club’s recent transfer successes, they are clearly scouting the Premier League market aggressively. If United signals any willingness to sell, a bidding war could erupt.
As January approaches, the pressure is mounting on Manchester United to make a decision. Will they trust in their academy once again and give Mainoo the platform he deserves? Or will they repeat past mistakes and allow another top talent to slip through their fingers?
In either scenario, the comparison to Pogba is apt—not just in terms of age and position—but in how Manchester United handles the careers of young stars caught between promise and patience.
Fans will be watching closely as the transfer window draws near. One thing is clear: Kobbie Mainoo’s future is becoming one of the most talked-about topics in both Manchester and Turin.
