Manchester United have endured a slow start to the summer transfer window. The Red Devils were expected to come out all guns blazing in search of Casemiro’s replacement, but things have not gone according to plan.
The Brazilian midfielder has left Old Trafford as a free agent and all signs indicate he is on his way to Inter Miami. Given the veteran midfielder’s impact last season, United have to replace him properly before the start of the new campaign.
INEOS have moved quickly to secure the services of Atalanta midfielder Ederson, but remain on the hunt for further reinforcements. Unfortunately, both of their priority targets, Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes, appear to be on their way to Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur respectively.
The situation has prompted the Red Devils to consider alternatives, both from the Premier League and abroad. One player who appears to have already convinced the Old Trafford hierarchy is Borussia Dortmund’s Felix Nmecha.
Excellent World Cup spell
Nmecha was linked with United ahead of the World Cup and his stock has improved following a series of impressive individual performances on the other side of the Atlantic. While Germany suffered a shock exit in the Round of 32 at the hands of Paraguay, the 25 year old left a lasting impression.
Nmecha started all of Die Mannschaft’s four games at the summer’s mega spectacle, scoring one goal and registering two assists. The player’s ability to dominate the midfield has already earned him admirers across the planet, with the Red Devils firmly in the race.
The German was also outstanding for BVB last season, finishing with five goals and three assists in 42 appearances across all competitions.
Felix Nmecha Stats: 2025/26 Season
| Competition | Appearances | Starts | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards | Red Cards | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bundesliga | 29 | 25 | 2 | 3 | - | - | 2,190' |
| UEFA Champions League | 10 | 9 | 3 | - | - | - | 753' |
| DFB-Pokal | 3 | 2 | - | - | - | - | 193' |
| Total | 42 | 36 | 5 | 3 | - | - | 3,136' |
Source: Transfermarkt.
A recent report relayed by The Peoples Person states that United are already in talks to secure Nmecha’s services. An update on Dortmund’s demands for their prized asset has now emerged.
Dortmund turn to Bellingham-model for Nmecha
According to Sport BILD, as cited by Sport Witness, Dortmund are ready to accept bonuses as part of a deal for Nmecha this summer. The report adds that the Bundesliga giants are willing to accept an offer similar to the one proposed by Real Madrid for Jude Bellingham in 2023.
Los Blancos signed the Englishman for €103 million, but the deal has reportedly risen to €127 million with bonus payments. That is thanks to smart add-ons, like a €3 million fee for simply qualifying for the Champions League.
There is a possibility that BVB could end up receiving a total of €133 million for Bellingham if he continues his upward trajectory at the Santiago Bernabeu. The German giants are hoping to repeat the trick with Nmecha, who is under contract at Signal Iduna Park until 2030.
Dortmund are ready to accept an offer for the German midfielder with achievable add-ons, although the base fee is likely to remain around €100 million.
Final Thoughts
It is increasingly clear that United will have to break the bank if they are to sign a world-class midfielder this summer. Having missed out on Anderson and Fernandes, INEOS will have to be quick if they wish to beat the competition for Nmecha.
Featured image Alexander Hassenstein via Getty Images
The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
