Manchester United target former City academy product Felix Nmecha in £42m Dortmund move

Manchester United are monitoring Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha ahead of next summer’s transfer window, with the club’s head of scouting Christoper Vivell reportedly making contact with the 25-year-old Germany international, according to German outlet Bild.

Nmecha has an unusual connection to Manchester, having come through the Manchester City academy before his release in 2021. He made three senior appearances for City in cup competition before moving to Wolfsburg, where he spent two seasons, and then signing for Dortmund, where he has developed into a full Germany international and attracted widespread Premier League interest.

Newcastle United have also entered the race for Nmecha, with Eddie Howe’s side reportedly viewing him as a potential replacement for Bruno Guimarães, whose future at St James’ Park has looked uncertain. However, Bild claims Nmecha would favour a move to either Manchester club over Newcastle, with both United and City set to compete in the Champions League next season — something the Magpies cannot currently offer.

The competition does not stop there. Bayern Munich and Real Madrid have also been mentioned as interested parties, underlining the level of regard in which Nmecha is held across Europe. Transfermarkt values the Hamburg-born midfielder at €50 million, and his contract at Dortmund runs until 2030, giving the Bundesliga club significant leverage in any negotiations.

United manager Michael Carrick, appointed on a permanent basis following Ruben Amorim’s sacking in January, is building a squad capable of competing at the highest level after the club secured a third-place Premier League finish — their best since the 2022/23 season. The club has already agreed a deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, but a World Cup injury to Manuel Ugarte could alter United’s midfield recruitment plans depending on its severity, potentially making the pursuit of Nmecha more urgent.