Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha has reportedly indicated a preference for a return to Manchester, with former club Manchester City and rivals Manchester United his favoured destinations should he leave the Bundesliga side.
According to German publication Bild, the 25-year-old Germany international favours a move to one of the Manchester clubs over other interested parties including Newcastle United, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. Nmecha enhanced his reputation with performances for Germany at the World Cup, prompting increased speculation regarding his future.
Reported preferences
While multiple elite clubs have registered interest in the midfielder, Bild report that City and United hold particular appeal for Nmecha. Both Manchester clubs could offer a return to the Premier League, with City providing the additional draw of familiar surroundings given the player’s history there.
Newcastle United, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich remain alternative destinations, though the report suggests these rank below the Manchester options in Nmecha’s considerations.
Contract situation
Despite the transfer speculation, Dortmund retain significant leverage in any negotiations. Nmecha recently extended his contract with the club until 2030, and crucially, no release clause is applicable this summer. This means the German club can demand a substantial fee for any immediate transfer.
However, the contract does include future exit mechanisms. An €80 million release clause will become active in 2027, before dropping to €70 million in 2028. This structure effectively establishes a timeline for when a transfer might proceed more straightforwardly, should Dortmund resist offers this year.
The contractual situation presents potential suitors with a strategic choice. Manchester City, United and other interested parties must now decide whether to pursue an immediate move at a premium price, or wait until 2027 to trigger the predetermined €80 million clause.
Career path
Nmecha’s affinity for Manchester stems from his development at City. The midfielder progressed through the club’s academy and made three senior appearances before departing for VfL Wolfsburg in 2021. After two seasons in Lower Saxony, he joined Borussia Dortmund in 2023, where he has continued to attract attention from Europe’s top clubs.