Borussia Dortmund manager Niko Kovac has called Felix Nmecha a key player in the team after the midfielder signed a contract extension with the side recently.
Nmecha is now set to remain at the club until June 2030 the club announced on Wednesday. Joining from Wolfsburg in 2023, the 25-year-old has developed into a vital component in Dortmund's squad since then.
Across all competitions, he's made 108 appearances for the Black and Yellows, including 71 in the Bundesliga, scoring a total of 13 goals and providing eight assists.
Now with his future at the Signal Iduna Park seemingly secured, Kovac has weighed in on the news by lavishing praise on the rising star. At a recent press conference, he said:
""I am convinced that we are all happy. Felix is a key player in this team. Everyone can improve. Felix is at a good age. He is slowly reaching his peak. He is a player who can be even more dangerous in front of goal. Hard work pays off for both the individual and the team.""said the Croatian manager
Possessing excellent ball-control with astonishing passing range, Nmecha is the key to balancing the squad. He is often the architect of turning the side from defensive to offensive by the drop of a hat.
What's more, he also drives forward to join up the attack whenever opportunity presents itself. His five goals this season, including three in the Champions League, are a testament to that.
Due to more creative players upfront, his contributions sometimes go unnoticed but Nemcha is the vital cog that keeps Dortmund's wheels spinning.
As some big names like Julian Brandt, Niklas Sule and possibly even Nico Schlotterbeck are set to leave the club this summer, Nmecha's extension comes as some much-needed good news for the fans.
Moreover, to let Nmecha play to his full strength even more in the future, Dortmund are reportedly looking for a new defensive midfielder to play alongside him according to German news outlet BILD.
The BVB are looking to rope in a combative number six in front of their defense; someone who could give Nmecha the freedom to roam forward and express himself in the vanguard more.
Nmecha will also receive a salary raise of €10 million and even have a release clause in his contract. In 2027, the clause can be activate with a fee of €80 million and a year later, for €70 million.