Kobbie Mainoo has been taking Spanish lessons amid reports of a potential swap deal involving a Real Madrid star.
Mainoo finds himself out of favour at Manchester United under Ruben Amorim, with all three of his league appearances in 2025/26 so far coming from the bench.
The England international has started just one game for United this season, that coming in the penalty shootout EFL Cup defeat to Grimsby last month.
Mainoo impressed in that loss despite United’s humiliating exit but it hasn’t been enough to convince Amorim he deserves a regular spot in the side.
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A loan move away from Old Trafford at the end of the summer window was mooted, especially as Mainoo’s friend Alejandro Garnacho left for Chelsea.
Mainoo has been learning Spanish for the last two years, with both Garnacho and current United star Amad Diallo being fluent in the language.
Mainoo out, Valverde in at United?
That may benefit Mainoo, with reports suggesting that United are weighing up a swap deal with Real Madrid for midfielder Federico Valverde, at least according to Spanish publication Defensa Central.
It’s no secret that United are looking to sign a new midfielder in the January window, having been heavily linked with a move for Brighton’s Carlos Baleba in the summer.
Eduardo Camavinga is also another rumoured target for United, with the Frenchman out of favour under Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso.
United would have better success targeting Camavinga than Valverde, with the Uruguayan in Real Madrid’s long-term plans, even with the Premier League side said to be prepared to offer £44 million and Mainoo for the 27-year-old.
Real Madrid signed Valverde from Penarol in 2016 and he’s gone on to become a key man for Los Blancos, operating either at right-back, in central midfield or on the right flank.
Mainoo needs minutes to rescue England spot
Mainoo, meanwhile, is unlikely to work his way back into the United setup as they gear up for their lunchtime trip to Brentford on Saturday.
The 20-year-old is behind Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte in the midfield pecking order under Amorim, though Casemiro will miss the game in west London after his dismissal against Chelsea last weekend.
And with competition for a starting spot in the England setup rife, Mainoo needs regular minutes if he is to make Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions selection for the World Cup in America next year.
The emergence of Elliot Anderson on the international stage adds further competition to an already packed field for Mainoo, who already has to battle Declan Rice, Adam Wharton and Conor Gallagher for a place in the side.
As such, Mainoo hasn’t made an appearance for England since their 2-1 loss to Greece last October.
Topics: Kobbie Mainoo, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Federico Valverde, Premier League, Football
Ben McAleer