José Mourinho dreams of a football player worth €120M

Felix Nmecha has become one of the names that José Mourinho has put on the table to strengthen the Real Madrid midfield. The Portuguese coach sees the German international as a very complete player, physical, and with room to grow within a top-level squad. However, his high price complicates the operation, making it hard to believe that he will become a Madrid signing.

Borussia Dortmund has surprised the white club with an exorbitant valuation. According to Bild, the German team will not negotiate for less than 120 million euros, a figure that almost definitively distances Real Madrid from the 25-year-old midfielder. Nevertheless, nothing should be taken for granted.

Mourinho Wants More Muscle in Midfield: Felix Nmecha, the €120M Player Enchanting the Portuguese Coach

José Mourinho has asked for players with character, endurance, and the ability to compete in big matches. His idea for the new Real Madrid is to build a more physical squad, more intense, and less dependent solely on offensive talent.

Felix Nmecha fits that search. Standing at 1.90 meters, he has stride, good ball control, and can play both as an interior midfielder and in a deeper position within the midfield.

The German is not a static central midfielder. He has mobility, gets into the box, presses well forward, and offers a physical presence that Mourinho considers very useful for balancing the team.

His World Cup performance has further bolstered his reputation. Nmecha started for Germany in the debut against Curacao and scored the opening goal in the 7-1 rout, a display that increased his international visibility.

This impact comes at the worst time for Real Madrid. Every strong showing in the World Cup raises his price and strengthens Borussia Dortmund's stance.

Mourinho wanted him as a key component, not just a mere addition. However, the economic reality is starting to turn the coach's desire into a practically unfeasible operation.

Borussia Dortmund has been firm. They do not want to sell Felix Nmecha this summer and would only consider entertaining an absolutely out-of-the-market offer.

The figure indicated in Germany is 120 million euros. An outrageous sum when compared to his current market value, estimated around 35 million on Transfermarkt.

Dortmund's position is based on several factors. The player has a long contract, until 2030 according to recent reports, and the German club does not need to part ways with him at this time.

In addition, Nmecha comes off a solid season. FotMob credits him with two goals, three assists, 2,184 minutes, and an average rating of 7.22 in the 2025/26 Bundesliga, confirming his progress.

Dortmund also recognizes that the market for central midfielders has skyrocketed. Any young player, national team regular, and with a distinct physical profile can command very high fees if a Premier League club or Real Madrid comes knocking.

Hence, they have erected a barrier. They do not want to begin protracted negotiations, yield to external pressures, or fuel an exit that would weaken their squad for the upcoming season.

Real Madrid was willing to explore the deal, but not at any price. At the Bernabéu, Nmecha is viewed as an intriguing player, though not a top priority at 120 million euros.

Such an amount would categorize him among the galaxy of signings. And the white club does not seem willing to pay that figure for a midfielder who has not yet consistently proven himself to be among the world's best.

Mourinho may push for it, but Florentino Pérez tends to stand firm in such situations. If the price soars above the actual market value, Real Madrid typically shifts focus to other targets.

The club has already invested in other profiles this summer and needs to weigh every move. The priority is to reinforce specific positions without engaging in auctions that could compromise the entire budget.

Moreover, the white squad already boasts numerous high-caliber midfielders. While Nmecha's arrival would make sense due to his physical attributes, it does not justify a disproportionate investment.

Therefore, the operation remains on hold. Real Madrid does not definitively shut the door, but will not make a move as long as Dortmund maintains such a valuation.

Felix Nmecha faces a massive opportunity in the World Cup. His goal in Germany's debut has boosted his confidence and placed him under the spotlights of the entire European market.

If he maintains his form, Dortmund will have even more reasons to demand a hefty fee. And if Germany goes far, his name could attract interest from more top clubs.

The Premier League is also closely monitoring. Manchester United has been linked with the player and could join the race if the price drops or if they wait for future release clauses.

Reports suggest his contract includes a clause that could be triggered in 2027 for 80 million euros and reduced to 70 million in 2028. This completely alters the perspective of the deal.

For Real Madrid, waiting might be wiser than paying now. If Mourinho maintains interest, the club could monitor his progress and act later under much more reasonable conditions.

Meanwhile, Dortmund plays its hand. They have a German international in the midst of the World Cup, with a lengthy contract and significant clubs watching his situation.

Nmecha appeals to Real Madrid, but not at any cost. Mourinho wants him, Dortmund demands 120 million, and Florentino does not seem inclined to make a reckless move. Today, the signing is much further away than it is close.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, José Mourinho sueña con un futbolista de 120 M€