Manchester United’s 19-year-old midfielder, Kobbie Mainoo, is reportedly open to a move to Chelsea but seeks a salary exceeding that of current Blues star, Cole Palmer. Mainoo, who has two years remaining on his Β£20,000-a-week contract, is in negotiations with United for an extension that reflects his rising prominence in the team. However, these talks have reached an impasse, attracting interest from Chelsea.
Sources indicate that Mainoo is demanding a weekly wage of Β£180,000 to extend his stay at Old Trafford and would expect similar terms at Stamford Bridge. This figure surpasses Palmer’s current earnings of Β£130,000 per week. Chelsea, while monitoring Mainoo’s situation, may hesitate to meet these demands due to concerns about inflating their wage structure.
United, facing financial constraints, might consider selling Mainoo to comply with Premier League financial regulations. Selling homegrown talents like Mainoo would result in pure profit, aiding United’s financial standing. United manager Ruben Amorim has acknowledged the club’s challenging financial situation and the possibility of player sales, though he expressed a desire to retain key talents like Mainoo.
Mainoo’s contract situation has stalled, positioning Chelsea as potential frontrunners for his signature. The Blues have reportedly made tentative contact with Mainoo’s representatives, exploring the feasibility of a summer transfer. However, Mainoo’s substantial wage demands could be a stumbling block in any potential deal.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Mainoo’s future remains uncertain, with both Manchester United and Chelsea weighing the implications of his salary expectations against their respective financial strategies.
