Manchester United star duo lined up for moves to Italian giants

Napoli have emerged as surprise suitors for Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, with the Serie A champions already in advanced talks to sign striker Rasmus Hojlund.

According to reports, United and Napoli are close to finalizing a loan-to-buy agreement for Hojlund, who has struggled for consistency since arriving at Old Trafford from Atalanta in 2023.

The deal is expected to be worth around £39M ($52.6M), contingent on performance-related clauses and Champions League qualification. It would represent a staggering £33M ($44.5M) loss for United, who paid £72M ($97.2M) for the Danish forward just two years ago.

While Hojlund’s departure looks imminent, Napoli is reportedly also considering a move for Mainoo. The 20-year-old midfielder, regarded as one of United’s most talented academy graduates, has seen his role come under scrutiny under head coach Ruben Amorim. 

He has yet to feature in the Premier League this season, fueling speculation over his future. Reports suggest United would now entertain offers in the region of £45M ($60.7M), a significant drop from the £70M ($94.5M) valuation placed on him earlier in the summer.

Napoli’s pursuit of further United players follows the remarkable success of Scott McTominay, who joined the club last summer. 

The Scotland international thrived in his debut season in Italy, scoring 12 goals, winning the Serie A MVP award and earning a nomination for the 2025 Ballon d’Or while helping Napoli to the league title. 

His resurgence has been cited as a blueprint for others seeking to reignite their careers abroad.

For Amorim, however, sanctioning more high-profile departures could prove risky. United is winless in the Premier League and the manager is already under mounting scrutiny following Wednesday’s shock Carabao Cup exit to League Two side Grimsby Town.

Napoli’s growing interest highlights both its ambition and the uncertainty surrounding Old Trafford. Should Hojlund and Mainoo follow McTominay to Naples, the Italian champions could soon boast a formidable United contingent, while Amorim would be left facing further questions over squad depth and long-term planning.