Manchester City are determined to strengthen their squad in the summer with the club prepared to bring in new midfielders.
Topping the list of players linked with the citizens is Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha. The 25-year-old is enjoying a transformative season at the Westfalenstadion, and it might be his last at the club if City comes calling.
Pep Guardiola is reportedly weighing up a move to bring the former academy graduate back to the Etihad Stadium.
However, former German international Max Kruse has questioned his defensive grit and consistency.
Felix Nmecha has been linked with a move to Manchester City. (Photo by Alexandre Simoes/Borussia Dortmund via Getty Images)
Former teammate Kruse has publicly questioned the midfielder’s defensive work rate and body language.
Kruse suggested that Nmecha’s naturally calm playstyle can occasionally result in a perceived lack of dynamism during high-pressure defensive transitions.
Speaking on the Flatterball podcast, Kruse offered a blunt assessment of Nmecha’s playstyle.
“He’s obviously taken the next step at Dortmund,” he said. “He’s a similar type of player to Leon Goretzka. He’s also a tall, lanky guy. And strong in the air. He also makes those runs forward and those deep runs. I think you can compare him and Leon a bit. He’s having an outstanding season in Dortmund.
“When I watch Felix Nmecha, I sometimes get the feeling that he’s a bit too relaxed. I don’t think that’s the case with him. But from the outside, it looks as if he’s sometimes a bit indifferent and lacks a bit of dynamism.
“He lacks the determination or the absolute will to tackle someone in a defensive duel. He wants to solve everything with his passing game and is reluctant to slide tackle. Whether that’s enough for the national team and Julian Nagelsmann’s system, and whether it will work out, I don’t know. But he should play a role.”
Borussia Dortmund are prepared to offer Nmecha a new deal. (Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)
Nmecha has become an important figure for BVB this season, making 37 appearances across all competitions while contributing five goals and three assists.
With City interested in bringing him back to England, Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl has initiated talks to extend Nmecha’s contract.
The 25-year-old tied to the club until 2028 and it’s left to be seen if he’ll jump on the offer to play in City or sign a new deal at Dortmund.
