Emmanuel Thomas, DPA, Friday, June 30, 2023
DORTMUND – Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has defended the planned signing of Germany midfielder Felix Nmecha against criticism from some fans groups of the Bundesliga football club.
Fans had voiced criticism because Nmecha had shared posts on social media which were deemed to be homophobic, directed against the LGBTQI+ community, and not compatible with Dortmund’s values.
But Watzke told Friday’s Süddeutsche Zeitung after a talk with the Wolfsburg player that Nmecha is “a totally normal lad, a normal young footballer.”
Watzke had met Nmecha together with club president Reinhold Lunow and they agreed that the 22-year-old could not spread his religious beliefs in a missionary way at the team and club.
He also said Nmecha was not the type to cause unrest within a group with his attitudes and his behaviour.
Nmecha had recently said on Instagram that “I genuinely love ALL people and don’t discriminate against anyone.”
The deal is not done yet as Dortmund and Wolfsburg are yet to agree on a transfer fee which is expected to be in the range of €25 million ($27.2 million) as Nmecha has a Wolfsburg contract until 2025.
Dortmund see him as the man to take the place of Jude Bellingham who has left for Real Madrid.