Kobbie Mainoo to Chelsea? Man Utd star issues Cole Palmer demand

Cameron Smith

6 Mar 2025 15:00 GMT
3 min read

Cole Palmer, Kobbie Mainoo, Chelsea — © IMAGO

Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo will reportedly only join Chelsea if he is offered a higher salary than Cole Palmer.

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Mainoo, 19, has less than two years remaining on his current deal at Man Utd and although he is in talks to sign a contract extension at the club, Chelsea are eyeing a possible transfer this summer.

The Blues were linked with a move for the England international during the January transfer window and they are expected to rekindle their interest this summer, with Man Utd potentially open to a sale due to concerns over their financial situation.

However, GiveMeSport have reported that Mainoo is demanding a salary of €215,000-per-week (£180,000) to extend his Man Utd contract and he is unwilling to lower his demands for Chelsea.

As a result, the 19-year-old has requested to usurp the aforementioned Palmer, who currently earns a weekly salary of €155,000 (£130,000) at Stamford Bridge.

This could prove problematic and is likely to result in Chelsea ending their interest in Mainoo, with the Blues eager to avoid disrupting their wage bill with the addition of a high-earner.

Ruben Amorim on Kobbie Mainoo

Following reports of Chelsea’s interest in Mainoo during the January transfer window, Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim told reporters: “Our idea is always to keep the best players and the players we build for this club.But we know the position the club is in at the moment. We will see.

“I really love my players,” Amorim added. "I want to keep them, especially the talented ones. It is a hard moment and I am really happy with Kobbie. He is improving.”

Mainoo has made 25 appearances across all competitions so far this season, scoring one goal and providing one assist, while his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) currently stands at a career peak of €54.8 million.