Kobi Mainu demands unrealistic salary, Manchester United considers transfer

Kobi Mainu (20, Manchester United) is demanding an unreasonable salary as a condition for re-signing.

The Guardian reported exclusively on the 8th (Korean time) that "Mainu plans to refuse re-signing with Manchester United and pursue a move abroad. No agreement was reached in the contract extension negotiations."

Mainu's contract lasts until June 2027, meaning there are still two years left even after this season ends. However, Manchester United is now also considering selling him this summer due to Mainu's refusal. The Guardian noted that "Manchester United is open to selling Mainu to aid the club's finances. The midfielder, who is a member of the England national team, is valued at £70 million (about 131.2 billion won)."

Born in 2005, Mainu is a so-called 'homegrown talent' who joined the Manchester United academy at age 6. He has never left Manchester United and made his first-team debut in the League Cup during the 2022-2023 season at age 17. Manchester United also hoped for positive developments by signing a contract extension with Mainu until 2027.

Mainu burst onto the scene last season. He performed beyond expectations in the Premier League and emerged as a new hope for Manchester United’s midfield. In no time, he made the national team and is regarded as England's future.

However, this season is somewhat different. Mainu has missed two matches due to muscle injuries and is struggling alongside a team in severe decline. Although he is taking on various roles, including that of a 'false 9' under newly appointed coach Ruben Amorim, he has not contributed any attacking points in 18 league matches.

Nevertheless, Manchester United continues to push for a contract renewal with Mainu, but they are not seeing any income. The biggest issue is Mainu's high wage demand. According to the Daily Mail, he is reportedly demanding a staggering £180,000 (about 337 million won) per week, including bonus clauses.

Of course, this is an amount that is difficult for Manchester United to promise easily. £180,000 is nine times the £20,000 (about 37.5 million won) that Mainu currently receives. Additionally, considering bonuses, it approaches the level of Tottenham's highest earner, Son Heung-min, who receives £190,000 (about 356 million won) weekly.

Ultimately, Manchester United, weary of Mainu's demands, is considering parting ways. The Guardian stated, "If Mainu refuses to re-sign, selling him would breathe life into Manchester United, which needs cash. Because Mainu comes from the youth system, the full transfer fee would be considered revenue. With two years left on his contract, Manchester United will want to secure as much transfer fee as possible before his value drops."

Mainu's potential destinations have not yet been revealed. He has been mentioned as a target for Chelsea, but according to The Guardian, he is not considering transfers within the Premier League. There are reportedly no clubs that have directly contacted Manchester United.

From Manchester United's perspective, they are not ruling out selling Mainu but are likely to try to retain him if possible. The Guardian reported, "Manchester United still believes that he can agree to improved conditions," noting that "losing a domestic star while Amorim works on rebuilding the team would be something difficult for many fans to accept."

Coach Amorim also holds Mainu in high regard. In fact, he utilized Mainu as a starting player until a calf injury sidelined him last month. Amorim praised, "Mainu is really, really excellent. He is not complete yet. He has a lot of potential to grow."

Amorim is looking to assign a more attacking role to Mainu instead of a defensive midfielder. He stated at the end of January, "Mainu has been struggling a lot defensively as a midfielder. Now he is playing as an attacking No. 10 midfielder, kicking the ball around the box. He is really excellent at short link-ups. He needs time to collaborate with players to find the optimal position."

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