Turkish giants keen to sign Manchester United outcast on an 18-month loan deal: Reports

Turkish Super Liga giants Besiktas are reportedly interested to snap up out-of-favour Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo on loan till the end of the 2026-27 campaign. The 20-year-old has struggled for regular first-team football this season.

Mainoo has started none of his 11 Premier League games, logging in just 212 cumulative minutes, registering no goal contribution. In his only start this campaign, the youngster provided an assist in the 12-11 shootout defeat at Grimsby Town in the EFL Cup second round following a 2-2 draw and also scored a penalty.

The Englishman's most recent outing was the 4-4 Premier League home draw with Bournemouth last month. He has since been out of action due to a calf injury.

As reported by Turkish outlet Sabah (via Sportwitness), Besiktas have contacted the Red Devils for an 18-month loan move for Mainoo. If United give their go-ahead, the Turkish giants will commence discussions with the player. Reportedly, Napoli have also been interested in his services.

It's pertinent to note that Mainoo's current deal at Old Trafford gets over in the summer of 2027. Having come up through the ranks at the club, the Englishman has made 84 appearances across competitions for the senior team, registering seven goals and three assists, since his first-team debut in the 2022-23 campaign.

What's next for Manchester United?

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim

Manchester United are coming off a 1-1 Premier League home draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers in midweek, with Joshua Zirkzee's 27th-minute opener cancelled out by Wolves' Ladislav Krejci on the cusp of half-time.

Sixth in the standings after 19 games - behind Chelsea (30) on goal difference - the Red Devils next take on Leeds United away on Saturday (January 4). Ruben Amorim's side will look to win three consecutive league games at Elland Road for the first time.

United have been dominant in this fixture recently, going unbeaten in nine games and winning 12 of their last 19 Premier League clashes, losing one. It's pertinent to note that the Red Devils are winless against Leeds in their first game of a year, with their last such meeting ending goalless in 1994.

Edited by Bhargav