City and United gear up for fierce tug-of-war over dynamic German midfield talent who plays like Rodri – Sky Sports

INEOS are expected to significantly strengthen Manchester United’s midfield this summer. After years of neglect, the Red Devils’ engine room is crying out for quality reinforcements.

In the past seven years, United have only recruited two central midfielders: Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte. That lack of investment has clearly lowered the team’s midfield standards. Now, with a strong core essential, a full-scale midfield revolution is anticipated.

Casemiro is departing, and his exit, along with prevailing transfer needs, is set to trigger a wave of arrivals, with several fine midfielders tipped to sign.

Felix Nmecha links

One name firmly in the frame is Borussia Dortmund’s Felix Nmecha, whose playing style analyst Ben Mattinson once likened to Manchester City’s Rodri.

Packaged as an ideal heir to Casemiro, the German international could prove to be one of United’s most inspired summer additions.

Yet, as Sky Sports Germany hints, his move to M16 hinges on two crucial factors.

Transfer battle brewing

The German outlet reports:

“Pep Guardiola and Manchester City have had the German international on their radar for some time and have already contacted his management. The connection to the Sky Blues is strong, as Nmecha previously played for City as a youth player. Nmecha is open to a move to the Premier League.”

Dortmund, however, are unwilling to let him go without a fight. The report adds:

“BVB is prepared to make salary adjustments to extend his current contract, which runs until 2028, ahead of schedule.”

United vs City

Clearly, INEOS now face their City rivals in a direct tussle for Nmecha, a dynamic that complicates United’s pursuit.

But even before that Manchester derby unfolds off the pitch, Dortmund are determined to block the transfer battle altogether with a new bumper deal.

Still, both Premier League clubs can take encouragement from the fact that the player himself is “open to a move to the Premier League.”

Should he resist Dortmund’s extension talks, Nmecha may well push for a return to England. And while the lure of the Etihad is obvious as he hoped to make it there, the promise of becoming the linchpin in United’s midfield could tempt him towards Old Trafford instead.

Featured image Christof Koepsel via Getty Images

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