Manchester United Target Dortmund Midfielder Felix Nmecha as Midfield Rebuild Continues
INEOS understands that simply bringing in Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo won’t be sufficient for Manchester United to mount a serious challenge against the Premier League’s top clubs in the 2025/26 season under Ruben Amorim. As a result, the club remains deeply engaged in the transfer market, exploring further reinforcements even as the Mbeumo deal nears completion.
While names like Viktor Gyokeres and Hugo Ekitike have been floating around, a new player has emerged on their radar—Felix Nmecha. According to German football journalist Christian Falk, Manchester United are now showing concrete interest in the Borussia Dortmund midfielder, who came through the ranks at Manchester City before moving to Wolfsburg and then joining Dortmund in 2023.
The 24-year-old has developed into a key figure at Dortmund, making 68 appearances over two seasons and contributing eight goals and five assists. His consistent performances have caught the attention of INEOS, especially with Christian Eriksen leaving the club at the end of the last campaign. United see Nmecha as someone who could add a dynamic edge to the midfield and bring a blend of physicality, versatility, and tactical awareness.
Despite missing some time last season due to a ligament injury, Nmecha still managed to maintain an impressive Sofascore rating of 7.04. He’s currently representing Dortmund in the inaugural 32-team FIFA Club World Cup in the U.S., where he recently scored in an intense 4-3 win over Mamelodi Sundowns. Former Dortmund manager Nuri Sahin has labeled him “exceptional,” reinforcing how highly he is valued at the club.
However, Dortmund are not entertaining any offers for the midfielder at this stage. They see him as a core piece of their midfield project alongside Marcel Sabitzer and Emre Can, especially after investing €30 million in his transfer just a year ago. Having already lost top talents like Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho early in their development, Dortmund are determined to hold on to Nmecha.
Nonetheless, United’s pursuit of Nmecha reflects INEOS’ broader strategy. The goal isn’t just to sign high-profile attackers but to build a cohesive squad capable of executing Amorim’s high-energy, press-oriented tactics. Nmecha’s ability to carry the ball, apply pressure, and contribute to transitions makes him an ideal fit.
If Dortmund continue to resist, United may shift their focus to other midfielders with similar profiles. Options such as Youssouf Fofana of AS Monaco, Khephren Thuram of Nice, and Manu Koné of Borussia Mönchengladbach are all under consideration. These players align with INEOS’ vision of creating a physically dominant, technically sound midfield core.
Even if Felix Nmecha proves unavailable for now, United’s interest in him highlights a clear direction: assembling a younger, more press-resistant, and tactically flexible midfield to support Amorim’s evolving system. The rebuild is in motion, and Nmecha remains one of the key names to watch should Dortmund’s stance change.
