Ex-United boss ready to derail Ineos pursuit of 25-yo Bundesliga midfield maestro report

Manchester United are keeping a close watch on Borussia Dortmund’s Felix Nmecha, but Real Madrid could end up ruining their plans. The Red Devils are determined to assemble a world-class array of midfielders at Old Trafford this summer. The English giants are looking to fill the boots of Casemiro, who was outstanding last season but has left the club as a free agent. With Manuel Ugarte failing to impress as well, United are targeting a complete overhaul of the midfield this year. Recent reports suggest that the Red Devils have already secured the services of Atalanta warrior Ederson. INEOS are expected to focus on Premier League-proven candidates next, with West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes high up on their agenda. However, that has not stopped them from scouting top talents from foreign leagues. Among the players who have long been linked with a move to the Theatre of Dreams is Nmecha. United want Nmecha Nmecha rose through the ranks at Manchester City, but failed to cement a place in the starting XI and was released in the summer of 2021. He subsequently joined Wolfsburg and, two seasons later, ended up at the Signal Iduna Park. Felix has since become a guaranteed starter for the BVB. Last season, he registered five goals and three assists in 42 games, 36 of which were starts. Felix Nmecha Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Bundesliga292523–2,190′ UEFA Champions League1093—753′ DFB-Pokal32—-193′ Total423653–3,136′ Source: Transfermarkt. The 25 year old fits the profile of players targeted by INEOS of late, which is why he is currently under consideration at the Theatre of Dreams. However, it now appears that the Red Devils will face intense competition in the race for his signature. Real Madrid eyeing Nmecha Sky Sports Germany report that new Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho is keen to take Nmecha to the Santiago Bernabeu. The report states: “According to Sky Sport, Mourinho is keen on BVB midfielder Felix Nmecha.” “The 63-year-old star manager has already made enquiries about the nine-time Germany international. There is undoubtedly a need for reinforcements, as Real Madrid are looking to strengthen their midfield. Alongside the LaLiga giants, Premier League giants Manchester United and Manchester City are also lying in wait.” However, the report states that Dortmund are relaxed about the situation, given that the player signed a new contract in March that keeps him at the club until 2030. His release clause does not come into effect until next summer, and there is a belief that Nmecha will leave in 2027 for €70 million. The report also confirms that the German will become Dortmund’s highest earner from next season, concluding: “Nmecha’s importance to BVB has been underlined once again by his contract extension: according to Sky Sport, he will become the club’s highest earner from the start of the new season. Nmecha will be on the same salary as Süle, putting him in a league of his own financially speaking.” Final Thoughts United would not mind Real Madrid’s interest in Nmecha, given that he is not a priority target this summer. Meanwhile, the Los Blancos’ pursuit of the German could give the Red Devils a free run at West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes, who is reportedly on Mourinho’s wish list as well. 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.