Newcastle United appears to be wasting little time preparing for life after Bruno Guimaraes after his transfer to Arsenal ahead of the new Premier League season.
While negotiations with Arsenal have dominated headlines throughout the summer, attention has now shifted toward who could replace the Brazilian after his departure to London to play for the champions.
According to L’Equipe, Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha has emerged as Newcastle’s No. 1 target to strengthen the midfield.
“The English
club’s management is now making progress in bringing in a replacement for the Brazilian,” the French outlet reported. “For several weeks, a clear target has been identified: Felix Nmecha (25 years old), under contract with Dortmund until 2030.
“The financial details of the negotiations between Newcastle and Dortmund have not been disclosed, but the English club is already aware of all of the German side’s demands in this matter.”
Nmecha would fit the profile of an immediate starter rather than yet another long-term project, such as all four prior outfield signings the Magpies have completed this summer. The 25-year-old has developed into one of Borussia Dortmund’s key players after arriving from Wolfsburg in 2023 and has earned 12 caps for Germany, while also impressing during this summer’s World Cup.
Any move, however, would be difficult to complete because of both the player’s contract situation and BVB’s stance on a potential sale.
Nmecha signed a contract extension through 2030 earlier this year, reportedly including an €80 million release clause that does not become active until 2027. One year after it kicks in, the release clause is set to drop to €70 million. That means any deal this summer would require Newcastle to negotiate directly with Dortmund, who have reportedly placed an asking price of around €120 million on the 25-year-old.
“Felix will play for us next season as well; that’s the clear plan,” sporting director Nils-Ole Book told Sport Bild in May. “He’s one of the best midfielders in Germany and doesn’t need to hide on the European stage. He’s hugely important to our game.”
Would Felix Nmecha be your preferred replacement for Bruno Guimaraes, or is there another midfielder you’d rather see Newcastle pursue before the window closes? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
