According to media reports, Borussia Dortmund has had a conversation with midfielder Felix Nmecha from VfL Wolfsburg, whom the club wants to sign. It was about whether Nmecha had a homophobic attitude, which would contradict the core values of the club. Now it is said that the professional convinced the Dortmund delegation led by managing director Hans-Joachim Watzke and president Reinhold Lunow that he supported the club’s basic code of values. BVB did not comment on the speculation about a possible transfer.
The background is that Nmecha had published two posts on his Instagram channel in the past few months that were clearly homophobic. In February, he shared a video by right-wing populist US blogger Matt Walsh, who calls himself a “theocratic fascist”. In the post, the right-wing activist exposes a father’s alleged transgender ideology. In June, Nmecha shared a short clip (reel) again, in which a two-part image could be seen. On the left was a depiction of the devil and beneath it the word Pride in capital letters. The letters were one below the other and each formed the beginning of a sentence such as “Put yourselt first” (“Put yourself first”) or “Relax enjoy yourself” (“Relax enjoy yourself”) etc. On the right, however, was from ” Grace” (divine grace) the speech, combined with the depiction of a lion, a lamb and a dove (“Gift from God etc.). He deleted both posts fairly quickly.
Nmecha defended himself by stating that he disagreed with most of Walsh’s views. But the Bible and God guide his actions. After his second post he wrote: “It is important for me to say that I love ALL people and do not discriminate against anyone. (…) I have come to know the love of Jesus in a way that transcends barriers and borders and what I have experienced , I really want to share with others.” He also posted a picture with Josha Vagnoman from VfB Stuttgart in a rainbow-colored special jersey.
BVB quickly recognized the explosive nature of the topic and apparently invited Nmecha to an interview in order to clear up certain irritations. Apparently the meeting was constructive. It could be a win for both sides: BVB can sign an up-and-coming player to fill part of the gap left by Jude Bellingham, who defected to Real Mardrid. And Nmecha moves to a Champions League club and continues his career. It remains to be seen whether the change will come about. The transfer fee should be between 25 and 30 million euros.
Sources: DPA, “Wolfsburger Allgemeine”, “Zeit”, “t-online”
