Sunderland reach agreement to sign versatile gem who Julian Nagelsmann finds crazy
Sunderland are closing in on yet another high-profile signing, as a new player is set to join from a European giant.
The Black Cats have already made 11 new signings this summer, with Granit Xhaka among the most significant, but they have not stopped there.
Sunderland’s promotion to the Premier League has seen Kyril Louis-Dreyfus’ project take a significant step, and he is clearly determined to keep them in the top flight.
Most areas within the squad have been strengthened, but a versatile right-back has now joined the rest of the new arrivals, and it is another big-name signing.
Nordi Mukiele looks set to join Sunderland
Fabrice Hawkins has now reported via X (15 August) that Paris Saint-Germain defender Nordi Mukiele is set to move to the Stadium of Light, with the player given permission to travel to Sunderland for a medical.
Mukiele spent several seasons at RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga, and returned to Germany last year to join Leverkusen on loan.
- The Frenchman spent three years at Leipzig before returning to PSG for two years, and spent last season at Leverkusen.
Mukiele will now follow Xhaka to Sunderland, with PSG not considering him part of their plans going forward.
| Stat | Mukiele |
| Appearances | 146 |
| Goals | 10 |
| Assists | 11 |
The 27-year-old is a right-back who can also play further forward, as well as at centre-back and even on the left, and his versatility and experience could both be useful.
- Read more: Regis Le Bris’ latest decision proves Sunderland must immediately sell ‘unbelievable’ star
Julian Nagelsmann’s verdict on Mukiele
Mukiele worked alongside Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann during his time at Leipzig, and he was clearly a fan of the defender.
Nagelsmann once highlighted Mukiele’s attitude as one to be admired, and this could make him a good fit for Sunderland.
“He is the type of guy who is always in a good mood, is always laughing and is always jolly,” he stated.
“He also wants to improve. I really enjoy working with him because he has a healthy amount of positive craziness. I like that. That’s why he will continue to improve.”
Mukiele will arrive with bags of top-level experience under his belt, as someone in his prime years with a point to prove, and this could be ideal for Regis Le Bris.
Sunderland are short of options beyond Trai Hume at right-back, and Mukiele could end up being a very solid addition on that side.
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