Man Utd eye €70m World Cup star as midfield alternative to Elliot Anderson

Updated: 16 Jun 2026 09:55 BST | 4 min read

Matthew Judge | Editor

Manchester United are interested in signing World Cup sensation Felix Nmecha as they press ahead with plans to rebuild their midfield this summer, according to reports in Germany.

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The Red Devils are channeling all of their energy into revamping their midfield ahead of the 2026-27 season, with widespread reports linking them with Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson.

However, according to BBC Sport, United are backing away from their pursuit of Anderson after rivals Manchester City had a second offer worth an initial €122million (£106m) rising to €138m (£120m) rejected by Forest.

STATS

Elliot Anderson

M, DM (C)

N. Forest

Elliot Anderson

M, DM (C)

N. Forest

50

Games
4

Goals
5

Assists

The same publication understands Michael Carrick’s side are unwilling to enter a bidding war for Anderson, who has reportedly communicated he would prefer to join Man City this summer.

And now according to Sky Sports Germany, United have earmarked Germany star Nmecha as a possible alternative to Anderson, though they reportedly face competition from City and La Liga giants Real Madrid.

Nmecha opened his World Cup account in spectacular fashion by scoring in Germany’s 7-1 win over debutants Curacao on Saturday, while the 25-year-old also won the penalty which Kai Havertz converted in the first half.

After emerging through City’s youth system, Nmecha made three first-team appearances for the Etihad Stadium club before joining German outfit Wolfsburg in 2021, with whom he made 50 appearances.

Nmecha then joined Borussia Dortmund for a reported €30million (£25.9m) in 2023 and he has scored 13 goals in 112 appearances for the club, helping them reach the 2024 Champions League final.

However, Sky Sports Germany understands Dortmund are relaxed over the situation with Nmecha, owing to him having signed a new contract until 2030 in March.

STATS

Felix Nmecha

M (C)

Dortmund

Felix Nmecha

M (C)

Dortmund

42

Games
5

Goals
3

Assists

The same publication claims the contract contains a €70m (£51.8m) release clause which can only be activated in the summer of 2027, meaning it would take a bigger offer to convince Dortmund to sell in the next few months.

Man Utd reportedly not willing to match Fernandes' valuation

The news comes after the Daily Mirror claimed Man Utd have told West Ham United they are not prepared to match their current €92m (£80m) valuation of Mateus Fernandes.

Despite West Ham suffering relegation from the Premier League, the 21-year-old midfielder caught the eye last season, scoring three goals and recording four assists in the top flight.

The Mirror understands West Ham are keen to kick-start a bidding war between United and rival suitors Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, though Fernandes is believed to have made Old Trafford his preferred destination.

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