Liverpool are among the Premier League clubs keeping close tabs on Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha, with TeamTalk reporting that Manchester United are also firmly in the mix for the Germany international.
Nmecha, 26, continues to build a strong profile in the Bundesliga and his situation is drawing growing attention in England. The report states that Manchester United have shown concrete intent, having "maintained a persistent interest in Nmecha" and are "understood to have made contact as they assess options ahead of the winter window."
Liverpool's interest appears more conditional, but still significant. Nmecha has "emerged as one potential alternative should their pursuit of Bournemouth's Alex Scott prove fruitless", which places him squarely on the club's radar as recruitment planning continues.
Nmecha's appeal is easy to understand. He has top-level experience, tactical flexibility and a profile suited to the modern Premier League game. As TeamTalk notes, his "performances for club and country have strengthened his reputation as a versatile, energetic central midfielder capable of contributing in both boxes."
Photo: IMAGO
There is also a strong English connection. Born in Hamburg, Nmecha spent more than a decade in Manchester City's academy before forging his senior reputation with Wolfsburg and Borussia Dortmund. That background, combined with his development in Germany, gives him a blend of technical quality and physical maturity that many elite clubs value highly.
Dortmund's stance is the major obstacle. The Bundesliga club are in a strong negotiating position after Nmecha signed a contract extension until June 2030 earlier this year. According to the report, "there is no active release clause that can be triggered in January", with an €80million clause only becoming active from the summer of 2027.
For now, Dortmund are holding out for much more. Their valuation is said to be "in the region of €90-100million", putting the upper end at around £84.2m. That is a significant outlay for any club, especially for a player whose current side have no need to sell.
The messaging from Germany is equally clear. Dortmund's sporting director, Ole Book, has "previously played down the prospect of a departure, describing a sale as highly unlikely." With Nmecha central under Niko Kovač and a regular starter, "the 26-year-old is expected to remain at Signal Iduna Park" for the time being.
Timing will be crucial. TeamTalk indicates that "any realistic move is more likely to materialise in at the end of the season not in the coming weeks." That matters for Liverpool, who will weigh need, value and competition before making any decisive push.
If Alex Scott proves unattainable, Nmecha could become a more serious consideration. Yet at up to £84m, this feels like a transfer that would require absolute conviction, not merely admiration from afar.
This is the sort of link that immediately grabs attention because Felix Nmecha does look like a Liverpool midfielder on paper. He covers ground, carries the ball well and has the kind of athletic presence that can raise the level of a midfield unit over a long season. If the club are genuinely looking at alternatives to Alex Scott, it suggests there is a clear profile being targeted rather than a random list of names.
The fee is where the intrigue turns into hesitation. Up to £84m is a huge number, especially for a player who, while talented, would still arrive with pressure attached from day one. Liverpool have generally wanted certainty when spending at that level, and Dortmund know exactly how to protect their best assets. With no January release clause and a contract to 2030, they hold every card.
There is also the Manchester United angle, which always sharpens the story. If both clubs are watching closely, the race becomes louder very quickly, even if no move is imminent. It feels more like groundwork than a deal on the brink.
Still, this is one to keep in mind. If Liverpool decide they need a dynamic all-round midfielder and other routes close off, Nmecha has enough quality to become far more than a fallback option.
