Manchester United Pursue Felix Nmecha Amid Setback in Fernandes Transfer

Manchester United are pursuing Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha amid complications in their efforts to acquire Mateus Fernandes.

The club has already secured a £35 million deal for Ederson from Atalanta to strengthen Michael Carrick’s midfield. However, with Casemiro departed and Manuel Ugarte reportedly set to leave Old Trafford, United aim to add another central midfielder this summer.

United withdrew from the competition to sign Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson after Manchester City submitted a £120 million bid. Since then, the club has focused on signing Fernandes.

Fabrizio Romano recently disclosed that Manchester United maintain ‘direct contact’ with West Ham United regarding Fernandes’ £85 million transfer this summer.

Romano stated on his YouTube channel: “The contacts are going to continue in the next hours and days for Mateus Fernandes. Man Utd are there.

“Man Utd want to get the player, and are in direct contact with the player’s camp. Fernandes is very keen on a move to Manchester United.

“The discussions on the player side are going well, both with the player and his camp.

“Now it depends on the club-to-club discussions with West Ham. They’re starting at an £85m valuation for Fernandes.

“Ideally, they wanted £100m, but the expectation is they could close the deal at around £85m, not less than this.

“Man Utd’s initial discussion with those taking care of this deal is under £85m. So Man Utd want to spend less than this.”

Jose Mourinho is reportedly interested in signing Fernandes for Real Madrid, although Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez is considered his ‘first-choice’ option. Additionally, David Ornstein revealed Tottenham Hotspur’s interest in the 21-year-old midfielder.

Ornstein tweeted: ‘Tottenham Hotspur among clubs keen on signing Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United – separate to #THFC pursuit of Sandro Tonali. Interest driven by Roberto De Zerbi; wants #WHUFC talent as well as #NUFC midfielder.’

Man United’s Interest in Felix Nmecha

Following challenges in the Fernandes transfer, Manchester United may turn to alternative targets. Sky Germany reported last month that United remain in contact regarding a potential move for Felix Nmecha, with recent claims stating the club is ‘lurking’ alongside Manchester City.

Nmecha, a City academy graduate, transferred to Wolfsburg in 2021 before joining Borussia Dortmund in 2023 for approximately £25.9 million. Despite signing a contract extension with Dortmund in March until 2030, interest from Manchester United persists.

Reports indicate Nmecha’s new contract includes a release clause of €80 million (£69 million) valid in 2027, decreasing to €70 million (£60 million) in 2028. Other sources suggest Dortmund would consider offers around £60 million this summer.