Mainoo: Man United midfielder the player Napoli appreciate the most for January

Football Italia transfer expert Alfredo Pedullà insists Kobbie Mainoo is the player Napoli ‘appreciate the most’ in view of the 2026 January transfer window.

Napoli will be looking for midfield reinforcements next month, given that several key players will be forced to the sidelines with injuries for several weeks.

Kevin De Bruyne, Billy Gilmour, Frank Anguissa and Stanislav Lobotka are currently on the treatment table and are expected to miss many games for the Partenopei.

In his latest YouTube video for Football Italia, transfer expert Pedullà noted that Napoli director Giovanni Manna recently confirmed what we’ve been reporting for over a month about the Partenopei’s interest in Manchester United midfielder Mainoo.

“Mainoo’s name emerged from England in August, but there was no room to negotiate in the summer,” Pedullà said.

“Mainoo is the player Napoli are following more closely and appreciate the most.”

Mainoo, 20, has only made 11 appearances across all competitions this season, providing one assist. The England international has only collected 273 minutes of football on the pitch.

Currently, Eljif Elmas, Scott McTominay and Antonio Vergara are the only three central midfielders available for Napoli.

The Partenopei will visit Udinese in their next Serie A match on Sunday.