Manchester United eyeing £100million midfielder Felix Nmecha amid Gary Neville praise
Manchester United are eyeing World Cup in-form Felix Nmecha as a key signing. While Gary Neville and Ian Wright have both praised the German midfielder's performances, there are reports that it would cost around £100 million to sign him from Dortmund. Meanwhile, United are looking to balance other midfield targets and squad needs.
Strengthening the midfield is a major agenda item in Manchester United's summer transfer plans. To that end, the name of Borussia Dortmund playmaker Felix Nmecha has become a hot target. Former United star Gary Neville praised the 25-year-old's performance for Julian Nagelsmann's Germany at the World Cup.
Speaking to ITV after Germany's 2-1 win over Côte d'Ivoire, Neville said: "The more he plays, the more he's worth. He's looked fantastic, he's got everything." Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright reiterated the same gist. "Breaks lines, gets into the box, has Kimmich's support. Can play both No.8 and No.10. Has finishing - that's why teams are interested," analyzed Wright.
According to the latest reports, with Nmecha's contract running until 2030, Dortmund are expected to negotiate at least in the £100 million range if a top club makes an offer this summer. The demand has become more controversial amid reports of interest from United.
On the one hand, United's midfield revamp under Michael Carrick is picking up pace. Urugu star Manuel Ugarte has also been linked with a move to Turkey or Italy, with fan favorite Casemiro set to leave when his contract expires at the end of the month. Forest midfielder Elliott Anderson has been touted as United's dream signing, but there is strong talk that he could be heading to Manchester City despite having a huge recent bid rejected. And while United are also interested in Mateusz Fernandes, West Ham's £80m fee and competition from Tottenham Hotspur are complicating that deal.
Meanwhile, United are said to be on the verge of completing Atalanta midfielder Ederson as their first international signing this summer for around £35million; The deal is expected to be formalized soon after Brazil's World Cup campaign ends.
But the biggest challenge ahead for United is getting the new players to adapt to the Premier League style immediately. The transition from the Bundesliga to England's top tier is usually tough. That's why United are looking to balance the squad by bringing in at least some Premier League experience, especially in midfield. At the same time, the argument that taking on a high-ceiling talent like Nmecha would be beneficial to the team's long-term structure is also gaining strength.
In summary, Nmecha's praise from the likes of Gary Neville and Ian Wright has boosted his stock. But if the £100 million is to go up, United will have to look at how they balance their budget with other targets going forward. This is shaping up to be a crucial summer for the midfield rebuild of the Carrick era.