Newcastle to rival Man Utd for £73m World Cup star as midfield replacement
Newcastle United have shortlisted Felix Nmecha ahead of a potential midfield rebuild. The 25-year-old German is one of several options being considered at St James Park as the Magpies prepare for significant midfield changes.
Newcastle face losing both Bruno Guimaraes and another player to rivals this summer. Manchester United have reportedly agreed personal terms with Tonali, but Newcastle are making contingency plans and could steal a march on United in the race for Nmecha.
The German has reportedly been on Newcastle's radar for several years. Currently at Borussia Dortmund, Nmecha demonstrated his quality at the World Cup, starting all three of Germany's group stage matches and returning one goal and one assist. His form helped Germany top their qualifying group and secure a round-of-32 clash.
Nmecha has a £73.5 million release clause in his Dortmund contract, which signed him in 2023. Prior to that, he spent 14 years at Manchester City, making three first-team appearances. His elder brother Lukas was also at City as a youngster.
The midfielder is under contract at Dortmund until 2030 after signing a new long-term deal in March. Despite this, speculation over his future has intensified following Germany's World Cup performance.
A box-to-box midfielder, Nmecha enjoys getting forward and firing off shots. He scored six goals while registering three assists last season. His 6ft 3in frame allows him to win aerial duels and break up play.
Having moved to Manchester as a child, Nmecha would likely have no problem settling back into English life. Raised by a Nigerian father and a German mother, he has embraced the cultures he has experienced. Speaking to a magazine, he explained: "With Nigeria a lot of the culture is food happiness even just the business mindset being disciplined. Then the German side is also very disciplined and has good values and morals. And then the England side I think a lot of English people are very open when it comes to conversations having a laugh and hard working as well."
Newcastle and Manchester United's race for Nmecha's signature is set to intensify as the summer transfer window progresses.