Manchester City is investigating a possible big return for former young talent Felix Nmecha, who has shone in Germany. Borussia Dortmund set a nine-figure valuation for their player, in order to offset the strong interest he has received. City face competition both domestically and continentally, with Manchester United, Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich also interested.
Hugo Viana and Manchester City maintain a level of interest in one of the club's Academy graduates, valued by Borussia Dortmund at around €100 million this summer. New manager Enzo Maresca, who is expected to officially take control of the Etihad Stadium ahead of pre-season in July, is determined to build a new central midfield to fill the void left by recent departures.
With City actively working to finalize a British record package for Nottingham Forest midfield star Elliot Anderson, sporting director Hugo Viana is simultaneously looking for other players who may have deep familiarity with the club's football philosophy. The reason for the search for elite midfield targets is further amplified by the intense and fluid market pressure affecting the backbone of the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders, amid doubts over players such as Rodri, Tijjani Reijnders and Nico Gonzalez. Rúben Dias is also the subject of alleged interest from José Mourinho's Real Madrid, threatening to destabilize the team's veteran leadership group ahead of the start of the Premier League season on August 23 against Bournemouth.
Now, according to SPORTBILD, Manchester City are among the clubs to have inquired about Borussia Dortmund attacking midfielder and City Academy graduate Felix Nmecha this summer. Joining the Etihad Stadium's interested parties are Manchester United, Liverpool and Real Madrid, while Bayern Munich's Max Eberl is said to have recently contacted Nmecha's representatives to express interest. The 25-year-old has an €80 million release clause in his contract, valid until 2027, which will drop to around €70 million in 2028. This summer, the price is said to be negotiable, and although Dortmund do not want to sell, they would consider offers in excess of €100 million.
The inflation of Felix Nmecha's market value is likely linked to his impressive performances on the international stage under Julian Nagelsmann in the current World Cup. The 25-year-old has emerged as one of the best on the field in the North American tournament, having registered a crucial goal and an assist against Curaçao, as well as another assist against Ivory Coast. Consequently, while circles of intermediaries initially suggested that a negotiated fee could be closer to €60 million, Dortmund management adjusted their demands, using the exposure of the tournament to trigger a bidding war.