European giants plan decisive move to thwart United’s pursuit of €60m Casemiro replacement – report

Casemiro’s decision to leave Manchester United at the end of this season has added intrigue to the club’s search for a new midfielder this summer. The Red Devils have already pinpointed the position as one that needs special attention ahead of the new season. The Brazilian, meanwhile, is out of contract in less than five months and has announced that he will be looking for a new adventure this summer. The 33 year old has been indispensable for the Premier League giants of late, and has also shown his class in the team’s rejuvenated run since caretaker manager Michael Carrick’s arrival. As such, United have to take special care in their succession plans for Casemiro, and they have subsequently been linked with several Premier League-proven candidates for the job of late. Carlos Baleba, Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Sandro Tonali are some of the names reportedly on the Red Devils’ wish list. However, the English giants are also monitoring players from other leagues, including Borussia Dortmund star Felix Nmecha. A former City graduate Nmecha rose through the ranks at Manchester City, but failed to secure a steady run in the senior side. He moved to VfL Wolfsburg in 2021, before joining BVB in the summer of 2023. It was at Signal Iduna Park that the German midfielder began to catch the eye with his performances, with his ability to operate in different roles as well as his technicality standing out among his peers. This season, the 25 year old has already registered five goals and three assists in 34 appearances across all competitions. Imported from Manual Input CompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Bundesliga221923–1,678′ UEFA Champions League983—663′ DFB-Pokal32—-194′ Total342953–2,535′ Source: Transfermarkt. Nmecha’s profile makes him a fine fit for United, while his previous experience across the city could also help him settle quickly if a move materialises. A recent report from The Peoples Person states that the Bundesliga giants are likely to demand at least €60 million for the German midfielder. Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl has now provided an update on the player’s future. Renewal plans in progress? Speaking recently to Sky Sports, Kehl was full of praise for Nmecha. He said: “I was very impressed with him because he’s always able to resolve game situations. He creates new spaces and generates numerical advantages. Felix is making a huge impact right now and is an incredibly important player.” Recent reports have suggested that United are likely to face competition from Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur for the German midfielder, whose contract runs until 2028. Sky Sports went on to ask Kehl if Dortmund are planning to sit down with Nmecha to chalk out a new deal, to which he responded: “Do not worry, I am doing my homework.” Final Thoughts Nmecha could be a fantastic addition to United’s collection of midfielders, especially as a replacement for the outgoing Casemiro. However, one assumes that the Red Devils will stick to their strategy of signing Premier League-proven players, which has paid dividends with attacking additions last summer. Featured image Christof Koepsel 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 Deepungsu Pandit Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.