The midfield merry-go-round is still going strong in the Premier League.
If anything, it’s speeding up as Newcastle United seek a replacement for Sandro Tonali and Manchester United close in on Ederson.
The Magpies have burst into life in the window, agreeing a deal to sign young Ajax star Sean Steur and opening talks to sign Switzerland midfielder Johan Manzambi, who has enjoyed a wonderful World Cup.
The Tyneside club aren’t done there, though. They’re also going head-to-head with Manchester United in a big-money race to sign Felix Nmecha from Borussia Dortmund.
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
Nmecha has emerged as one of the breakout stars of the World Cup despite Germany’s disappointing tournament. And as Dortmund look to raise funds, Newcastle have joined Man United in pole position for his signature. |
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Finances |
As mentioned, Dortmund are looking to fund their own summer and have set a hefty asking price worth €120m (£103m) for Nmecha. |
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Insight |
The midfielder is in the same mold as Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch. He’s an excellent ball-progressor and ball-winner, who would replace Tonali at Newcastle and partner Ederson at Old Trafford. |
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Impact |
Although such a major deal would surely end Newcastle’s recent flurry, it would also end Man United’s pursuit of Alex Scott if they won the race. |
Both clubs would have to break their respective transfer records to sign Nmecha this summer, but he proved on the biggest stage that he could be worth every penny.
Man Utd and Newcastle race for huge Nmecha deal
According to Bild, as relayed by Sport Witness, Man United and Newcastle have surged into the race to sign Nmecha this summer.
Dortmund are clearly concerned by the interest, as they’ve set a €120m (£103m) asking price and commenced their own search for replacements.
The Premier League duo are reportedly leading the race to sign the German, but it remains to be seen whether that interest will turn into an official offer.
Dortmund aren’t in a rush to sell but would happily cash in if their price is met, allowing them to reinvest into new signings of their own.
£103m Nmecha would solve Man Utd’s Ederson problem
Man United’s midfield rebuild has been an interesting one to watch so far. They’ve missed out on some top targets in Mateus Fernandes and Elliot Anderson, and the profile of player they need is clear.
They must not face the same fate in the race to sign Nmecha. With an excellent out of possession player on his way in Ederson, the Red Devils will face an alarming problem if they fail to match the Brazilian to an expert ball progressor. Quite simply, it would be Manuel Ugarte all over again.
Nmecha’s passing range was on full show at the World Cup, especially when he assisted Deniz Undav’s winner against Ivory Coast in the group stage.
He picked a pass that only he could see and played the forward through on goal perfectly through the lines. Hand Benjamin Sesko the same service at Old Trafford, and the goals will become inevitable.
