Manchester United target Felix Nmecha as long-term Casemiro replacement amid £61m release clause

Manchester United have been linked with a move for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha, with reports from Germany claiming the club view the 25-year-old as a long-term replacement for Casemiro. Nmecha, who came through Manchester City’s academy before moving to Wolfsburg in 2021, was first connected with a switch to Old Trafford in February.

Nmecha has caught the eye at the World Cup, opening the scoring for Germany in their 7-1 victory over Curacao with a first-time right-footed finish from 20 yards. His box-to-box energy and ability to disrupt counterattacks have drawn admiring glances from several major clubs, with Real Madrid and, interestingly, his former club Manchester City also reported to be monitoring him.

Any deal faces significant structural obstacles. Dortmund have Nmecha tied down until 2030, and while a release clause of £61m exists in his contract, it does not become active until the summer of 2027. The Bundesliga club are said to be comfortable with his situation and are prepared to wait until that window rather than sell this summer.

Nmecha’s agent, Tobi Alabi, reinforced that message in a recent interview with German outlet Bild. “Felix still has two years left on his contract, and we fully respect that,” Alabi said. “Borussia Dortmund have played an important role in his development. He is grateful for the trust and the platform the club have given him. Right now, the focus is very clear: Felix is determined to give everything for Borussia Dortmund, to fight for the club and to help the team achieve its goals.”

United are also closing in on a separate midfield addition. The club are on the verge of confirming the signing of Brazil international Ederson from Atalanta for £39m, with the midfielder expected to undergo a medical during the World Cup.