맨체스터 시티, 1억 유로 이적료의 분데스리가 스타 영입 경쟁에 유럽 명문 구단 대열 합류

Manchester City join European giants in chase for €100 million Bundesliga star

• Manchester City are investigating a potentially high-profile return for youth graduate Felix Nmecha following his spectacular rise in Germany.
• Borussia Dortmund have slapped a nine-figure valuation on their powerhouse to fend off heavy interest.
• City face domestic and continental competition, with Manchester United, Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich all interested.

Hugo Viana and Manchester City reportedly hold a level of interest in one of the club’s Academy graduates, valued by Borussia Dortmund at around €100 million this summer.

Incoming manager Enzo Maresca, who is expected to officially assume control at the Etihad Stadium ahead of pre-season in July, is intent on constructing a fresh central engine room to replace the void left by recent departures.

With City actively working to finalise a British-record package for Nottingham Forest’s midfield star Elliot Anderson, Sporting Director Hugo Viana is concurrently hunting for others who may possess a deep, innate familiarity with the club’s footballing DNA.

The rationale behind tracking elite midfield targets is further amplified by intense, fluid market pressure targeting the reigning FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders’ spine, amid ongoing doubts over the likes of Rodri, Tijjani Reijnders, and Nico Gonzalez.

Rúben Dias is also subject to reported interest from José Mourinho’s Real Madrid, threatening to disrupt the squad’s established veteran leadership group before the Premier League season starts on August 23 against Bournemouth.

Man City interested in €100 million former Academy star

Now, according to SPORTBILD, Manchester City are among the clubs to have enquired about Borussia Dortmund attacking midfielder and City Football Academy graduate Felix Nmecha this summer.

Joining those from the Etihad Stadium are Manchester United, Liverpool, and Real Madrid, while Bayern Munich’s Max Eberl is claimed to have recently contacted Nmecha’s representatives to express interest.

The 25-year-old has an €80 million release clause in his contract valid in 2027, while that would drop to around €70 million in 2028. This summer, the price is said to be negotiable, and while Dortmund do not want to sell, they would consider offers in excess of €100 million.

Nmecha’s valuation could only rise further

The inflation of Felix Nmecha’s market value is likely to be directly tied to his eye-catching performances on the international stage under Julian Nagelsmann at the ongoing FIFA World Cup.

The 25-year-old has emerged as one of the standout performers at the ongoing tournament in North America, registering a crucial goal and assist against Curaçao and a further assist against Ivory Coast.

Consequently, while intermediary circles initially suggested a negotiated fee could materialise closer to €60 million, Dortmund’s board has adjusted their demands, utilising the tournament exposure to trigger a bidding war.