Sunderland sign Nordi Mukiele from PSG on permanent deal
Sunderland have completed the signing of defender Nordi Mukiele from Paris Saint-Germain on a permanent deal, the clubs have confirmed. The 26-year-old French defender has signed a long-term contract with the Black Cats, who currently sit 18th in the Premier League. The transfer fee involved has not been officially disclosed.
Mukiele, a right-back who can also play as a centre-back, spent the last two seasons with PSG, making 75 appearances for the French champions after joining from RB Leipzig. He was a member of France's 2022 World Cup squad but has found first-team opportunities limited in the French capital this season. The move to the Stadium of Light represents a significant step for a club in a fierce relegation battle, with Sunderland currently two points from safety.
According to Sky Sports, Sunderland manager Michael Beale identified defensive reinforcements as a key priority in the January window, and the club moved quickly to secure the 6-foot-3 defender. Mukiele is expected to bring much-needed experience and physicality to a back line that has conceded 45 goals in 32 Premier League matches this season. His arrival comes on the heels of a difficult 1-0 home defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, a result that increased the pressure on the club's survival bid.
For Mukiele, the move offers a clear path to regular first-team football, a crucial factor as he aims to regain his place in the French national team setup ahead of the European Championship this summer. His versatility and experience in the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig and in Ligue 1 with PSG will be vital for a Sunderland side that has struggled defensively. The signing is seen as a significant coup for the club, demonstrating their ambition to remain in the top flight despite their precarious league position.
The transfer is a significant statement of intent from Sunderland's new ownership group, who have backed manager Michael Beale in the market. The club's sporting director, Kristjaan Speakman, stated that the club had been tracking Mukiele for some time and were pleased to secure his signature ahead of several other clubs reportedly interested. Mukiele could make his debut as soon as this weekend, as Sunderland face a critical fixture against a direct relegation rival, with every point vital in the fight for survival.
