Report: Man United set to battle Chelsea in the race to sign Bundesliga midfielder | OneFootball

Felix Nmecha on Premier League radar as Chelsea and Manchester United circle

Credit to Caught Offside for the original reporting on a developing transfer story that once again highlights how quickly Bundesliga midfielders can become premium Premier League targets.

Borussia Dortmund’s Felix Nmecha is the latest name to move into that bracket. At 24, he is no longer a speculative talent, but a player increasingly framed as a central figure in Dortmund’s rebuild and, by extension, a potential long term solution for clubs searching for control and athleticism in midfield.

According to sources cited by Caught Offside, Chelsea and Manchester United have shown a clear interest, with Tottenham also tracking him closely after being impressed by his Champions League showing against Spurs.

As one source stated, “Scouts from a number of English clubs have also watched him closely in recent weeks.” That line alone suggests this is not casual curiosity, but sustained monitoring, the kind that usually precedes formal approaches.

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Dortmund stance makes January deal unlikely

Any Premier League move, however, comes with a familiar Dortmund caveat, price and patience. The German club see Nmecha as integral to their midfield plans and have no intention of facilitating a cut price exit.

Another source explained, “The club’s board want to secure his long-term future, with his current deal running until 2028 and no release clause included. Dortmund are determined to keep him and are considering improved terms to fend off Premier League approaches.”

That framing places Dortmund firmly in control. With no release clause and a contract that runs for another three and a half years, this is not a player they need to sell.

€60–65m valuation shapes summer narrative

Caught Offside report that Dortmund will not entertain offers below €60–65 million. That valuation alone effectively rules out a January deal, when budgets are tighter and deals more reactive.

The summer, by contrast, offers structure and strategy. United are expected to step up their pursuit at the end of the season, while Spurs remain attentive. Chelsea’s interest, for now, is described as being at an early stage.

Nmecha himself has previously suggested he would welcome a move to England if the right opportunity arose, but his immediate focus remains on development at Dortmund, where he is viewed as a long term project rather than a quick profit asset.

In a market increasingly defined by profile, age and resale value, Nmecha fits neatly into the modern Premier League recruitment template.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Chelsea supporter’s perspective, this report feels both familiar and quietly intriguing.

Chelsea have spent heavily on young midfielders in recent windows, but questions remain around balance, physicality and progression through the middle of the pitch. Nmecha’s profile, dynamic, athletic, technically secure, aligns with what many fans feel is still missing from the squad, a midfielder who can carry, recover and contribute at both ends without being overly specialised.

The reported €60–65 million fee will raise eyebrows. Chelsea supporters have grown used to big numbers, but there is also growing sensitivity around value, especially after several expensive signings who are still bedding in. For many fans, the key question would be whether Nmecha represents a genuine upgrade on what is already at Stamford Bridge, or simply another high ceiling project.

There is also the tactical angle. Chelsea have often struggled to control midfield games against elite opposition. A player shaped by Dortmund’s pressing and transition culture could offer something different, particularly in European matches where tempo and positional discipline are exposed.

Chelsea fans will likely watch this closely. Early stage interest can become something more serious very quickly, especially if rivals like Manchester United move decisively. In that sense, this feels like the kind of deal that could gather momentum fast once summer planning begins.