How Chelsea would line up with Kobbie Mainoo

Cameron Smith

7 Jan 2025 17:30 GMT
4 min read

Chelsea are currently the frontrunners to sign Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo, according to reports.

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The England international has two-and-a-half years remaining on his contract at Old Trafford, but extension talks have stalled and an exit could be on the cards in 2025.

The Daily Mail report that Chelsea are “leading the chase” to sign Mainoo this year as they continue their search for the best young talents across world football.

Enzo Maresca already has an exciting crop of midfielders at his disposal, however Mainoo could secure a Stamford Bridge switch if he decides to reject a contract extension and leave his boyhood club.

Below, FootballTransfers runs through how Chelsea could line up if they sign the Man Utd superstar.

How Chelsea would line up with Kobbie Mainoo

Robert Sanchez remains the undisputed number one at Stamford Bridge, despite his patchy form so far this season, and he is set to keep his place in Maresca’s first-choice starting XI.

Reece James and Malo Gusto would battle for a starting berth at right-back, with the former likely to emerge victorious if he is able to stay full fit.

Wesley Fofana is also an injury concern, but he would partner Levi Colwill in an ideal scenario, while Marc Cucurella would feature at left-back.

The Europa Conference League has helped Maresca rotate his squad on a regular basis this year, but Chelsea will hope to make his life far more difficult in 2025-26 by qualifying for the Champions League.

As a result, Mainoo would face significant competition for a starting berth in any competition if he joins Chelsea.

Moises Caicedo has established himself as one of the world’s best midfielders over the past 12 months, while Enzo Fernandez and Romeo Lavia are already candidates to start alongside the Ecuadorian.

Furthermore, Andrey Santos is expected to be handed a first-team role upon his return from a loan spell at Strasbourg, meaning Mainoo would by no means become a guaranteed starter at Stamford Bridge.

If he did fight his way to the top of the pecking order, he would start in central midfield next to Caicedo.

Cole Palmer would play in a more advanced role, with Pedro Neto and Jadon Sancho providing width.

Nicolas Jackson has been criticised for his dip in form over the festive period, however he is still Chelsea’s first-choice striker.