Leeds United striker Lukas Nmecha might see a familiar face across the pitch next season. His younger brother Felix is getting serious attention from Manchester United, according to The Athletic, and the club has already made initial inquiries about the Borussia Dortmund midfielder.
The Nmecha brothers came up together at Manchester City’s academy, reunited at Wolfsburg in 2021, and then went separate ways when Felix moved to Dortmund in 2023. They’ve been on opposite sides twice in the Bundesliga so far, and Felix’s team won both times. If this summer’s rumblings turn into a real offer, they could be squaring off in the Premier League instead.
Lukas joined Leeds last summer on a free transfer from Wolfsburg, part of a club strategy to grab value in the market. Dominic Calvert-Lewin also came in on a free, and together the two forwards scored 20 Premier League goals. Lukas put in six of those. For a squad that was trying to stabilize after promotion, those numbers helped.
Felix, 25, had a solid season for Dortmund. He made 42 appearances in midfield and signed a contract extension in March that runs through 2030. That new deal doesn’t seem to have scared off suitors. United’s reported interest is real, though nothing is close to done yet.
He also made Germany’s World Cup squad this summer, starting every game. He scored and assisted in the 7-1 demolition of Curacao and set up another goal in the 2-1 win over Ivory Coast. Germany’s tournament ended in the round of 32 though, losing to Paraguay on penalties. That exit probably stings, but Felix’s individual stock didn’t take a hit.
The idea of a brother-vs-brother matchup in a Leeds-United derby is the kind of story the league office loves. It’s happened in other leagues but rarely carries the weight of a cross-Pennines rivalry. Lukas and Felix have played together 28 times since their City youth days — they know each other’s games inside out. That would make for some interesting tactical decisions on both sides.
United have a lot of irons in the fire this summer, and midfield is one area they’re looking at. Enquiries don’t mean a deal is close, but it’s worth watching. Especially if you’re a Leeds fan hoping to watch your striker body his brother off the ball at Old Trafford.
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