Manchester United are considering Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha as a potential replacement for Casemiro, with the Germany international ticking two important boxes: homegrown status and a link with United's director of football Jason Wilcox.
United identified West Ham's Mateus Fernandes as a primary target after the Hammers' relegation, but Tottenham have entered the race and are reportedly willing to meet the £85 million asking price. Spurs can also offer higher wages, leaving United to weigh up alternatives.
Fernandes pursuit hits competition
United had previously targeted Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, but his valuation proved prohibitive. Fernandes, who excelled in a deeper midfield role for West Ham, also played as a No. 8 for Southampton and a No. 10 in Portugal. Last season, Fernandes won more tackles and made more accurate switches of play than Anderson, and was close on ground duels won, possessions won, and possessions won in the defensive third.
However, with Tottenham's strong interest, United may need to look elsewhere. Felix Nmecha has started both of Germany's games at the World Cup this summer, scoring and assisting against Curacao and assisting against the Ivory Coast.
Nmecha impresses at World Cup
Gary Neville praised Nmecha after Germany's win over the Ivory Coast: "The more he plays like he did the other night, the more expensive he'll get. He looked outstanding the other night. It looked like he had absolutely everything." Ian Wright added: "When you look at him, he breaks lines, he gets into the box, he's got Kimmich to come in and fill in for him. He can play as a No.8 or No.10, we can see he can finish, you can see why teams are interested in him. He's got everything."
Nmecha predominantly played as a defensive midfielder for Dortmund last season but has the quality to go forward. His performances in the Bundesliga and Champions League have shown his quality beyond the World Cup.
Homegrown status and Wilcox link
Premier League rules require at least eight homegrown players in a 25-man squad, defined as players trained by a UK club for at least three years before their 21st birthday. Nmecha came through Manchester City's academy before returning to Germany in 2021 on a free transfer. He impressed at Wolfsburg and joined Dortmund two years later.
Jason Wilcox, United's director of football, previously spent almost six years as City's academy director and is familiar with Nmecha. The midfielder knows Manchester well, having spent his formative years there. His older brother Lukas Nmecha scored six Premier League goals for Leeds last season, and Felix would be nearer his brother if he moved to Old Trafford.
While United will not base a decision solely on these factors, Nmecha's homegrown status and Wilcox connection are advantageous. The move would make sense for both club and player if Fernandes moves out of reach.
