Manchester City transfer interest in Bundesliga playmaker ruled out | OneFootball

Claims of interest from Manchester City in one of Germany’s standout World Cup performers has now been denied by more local media.

Following the conclusion of the Pep Guardiola dynasty, City have shown immense financial muscle by wrapping up a new club-record £116 million package for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson.

With the club dedicated to building a fresh central engine room for Maresca’s tactical framework, sporting director Hugo Viana has zero desire to indulge in speculative links as a burst of speculation stems from the ongoing tournament in the United States.

Germany have caught the eye in North America, with their 25-year-old box-to-box star playing a key role, notably netting a fine goal during an emphatic 7-1 thrashing of Curaçao before registering a vital assist against the Ivory Coast to seal knockout progression.

However, while media outlets in Germany have talked up a multi-million-pound return to the North-West for the versatile playmaker, senior sources have wasted no time in clarifying the club’s recruitment targets.

Interest denied in former Man City youth star

Now, according to the Manchester Evening News’ Simon Bajkowski, there is no interest from Manchester City in their former academy talent and now Borussia Dortmund’s Felix Nmecha this summer, despite reports in Germany.

Dortmund chiefs are operating from a position of financial strength, having tied the midfielder down to a lucrative contract extension that runs until 2030, meaning they are completely insulated against losing him cheaply.

Reports have established Dortmund have issued a €100 million ultimatum to ward off Premier League interest for the ongoing window, especially since his highly anticipated €80 million release clause does not officially become active until the summer of 2027.

What next for City and Felix Nmecha respectively?

With Manchester City explicitly taking themselves out of the equation, the path has cleared for others to step up their pursuit, with local rivals Manchester United named as one potential suitor.

Viana’s decision to pass on the €100 million-rated playmaker allows City to keep their focus fixed on key priorities, including the aim of recruiting a specialist right-back to learn from and work alongside the expect No.1 in the role, Matheus Nunes.

Among the names linked with Manchester City is Chelsea’s Malo Gusto – valued by Stamford Bridge bosses at £75 million – as well as Feyenoord’s breakout talent Givairo Read, who is also of interest to Vincent Kompany and Bayern Munich.