Man Utd learn rival stance on €100m World Cup star as pursuit continues

28 Jun 2026 10:16 BST | 5 min read

Matthew Judge | Editor

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Manchester United have learned Newcastle United have pulled out of the race to sign Germany star Felix Nmecha, according to The Chronicle.

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Nmecha has played a key role in helping his country reach the knockout phase of the World Cup, recording a goal and an assist apiece against Curacao and Ivory Coast in Group E.

Such has been the 25-year-old’s form in North America that there has been speculation linking him with Premier League duo Man Utd and Newcastle, with both clubs understood to be in the market for midfielders.

STATS

Felix Nmecha

M (C)

Dortmund

Felix Nmecha

M (C)

Dortmund

42

Games
5

Goals
3

Assists

BBC Sport claims Man Utd have made strengthening their midfield a priority this summer, whereas Newcastle are weighing up their options amid interest in Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali.

However, Sky Sports Germany are reporting that while Borussia Dortmund ace Nmecha has a release clause worth €70million (£51.8m) in his contract, it cannot be triggered until the summer of 2027.

And now The Chronicle claims Dortmund would therefore want around €100m (£87m) to part with Nmecha this summer - a valuation which Newcastle are reportedly not willing to meet.

The same publication claims Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is a big admirer of Nmecha, who has made 112 appearances for Dortmund and scored 13 goals following his move from Wolfsburg in 2023.

Nmecha will be hoping to help Germany reach the last 16 of the World Cup when they take on Paraguay in the round of 32 on Monday, 29 June at the Boston Stadium in Foxborough.

Man Utd assessing other targets after missing out on Anderson

Man Utd meanwhile are reportedly running the rule over a number of alternative midfielders after missing out on Elliot Anderson, who is set to join rivals Manchester City for a club-record €134m (£116m), as per BBC Sport.

STATS

Elliot Anderson

M, DM (C)

N. Forest

Elliot Anderson

M, DM (C)

N. Forest

50

Games
4

Goals
5

Assists

The Times reported earlier in the week that Red Devils target Mateus Fernandes is being strongly pursued by Tottenham Hotspur, with the 21-year-old reportedly valued at around €92m (£80m) by West Ham United.

However, Man Utd are on the verge of completing a deal for Brazil midfielder Ederson after a €40.5m fee (£35m) was agreed with Serie A side Atalanta, according to BBC Sport.

Newcastle want to keep hold of Guimaraes amid Arsenal pursuit

Newcastle, on the other hand, are hoping to tie captain Guimaraes to fresh terms after rejecting an approach from Arsenal this week, according to The i Paper.

The same outlet claims the Brazil international is open to extending his four-and-a-half-year stay at St. James’ Park, even though his representatives are gauging interest from Arsenal and other clubs.

One man who could leave Newcastle this summer is Italy international Tonali, with The i Paper claiming he remains more likely to leave than Guimaraes, amid interest from Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester City.

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Read more about: Bundesliga Premier League Arsenal Dortmund Man City Man Utd Newcastle Tottenham West Ham Wolfsburg Bruno Fernandes Bruno Guimaraes Elliot Anderson Felix Nmecha Mateus Fernandes Sandro Tonali