Sunderland secure Defender transfer from PSG in major summer boost | OneFootball

Sunderland Secure Nordi Mukiele in Ambitious Summer Drive

Sunderland’s summer rebuild has taken another significant step forward with the imminent arrival of Nordi Mukiele from Paris Saint-Germain, as reported by The Northern Echo. The 27-year-old defender is expected in the North East this weekend to complete his medical and finalise a move worth £9.5 million plus a £2.5 million package.

Experience to Lift Sunderland’s Defence

For head coach Regis Le Bris, this marks Sunderland’s 12th signing of the transfer window and a fourth addition in defence following Reinildo, Arthur Masuaku and Omar Alderete. Mukiele, a France international, offers not just depth but pedigree. He has played 35 league games for PSG since joining from RB Leipzig in 2022 and spent last season in Germany with Bayer Leverkusen.

“In terms of top-level experience, Mukiele is a big addition,” one Sunderland source told The Northern Echo, pointing to his adaptability and resilience at elite level.

Although he made 15 Bundesliga appearances last season, Mukiele missed the closing weeks through injury. Sunderland will hope his recovery is complete, with the club in need of reliable options.

Balancing Youth with Experience

Sunderland are currently without Luke O’Nien, Dennis Cirkin, Aji Alese and Leo Hjelde for the opening month. With Alderete short of minutes in pre-season, Dan Ballard and Jenson Seelt are expected to start against West Ham, with Reinildo covering left-back.

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Le Bris was quick to praise Seelt, explaining: “I’m happy with the progression of Jenson. He played only one game last and maybe just five or 10 minutes at the end of another game. His pre-season was really positive. He’s still a young player and needs to reinforce his body to get adult maturity. He’s really talented, I like his style of play.”

The Sunderland coach also underlined the need for balance, adding: “But at the same time the Premier League is really challenging so we need to find the right balance between talented young players and experience, and the early games will help us find that balance.”

Building for the Season Ahead

Mukiele’s arrival not only adds proven quality but also creates competition for places. Once Alderete gains full fitness and with Mukiele ready, Le Bris must decide whether Seelt, Hjelde or Alese would be better served by loan moves. Sunderland’s rapid transfer activity shows a club determined to re-establish itself and avoid the perils of a thin squad in a gruelling Premier League campaign.

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Signing a player with Champions League and Bundesliga pedigree, and from PSG no less, is a statement. For years we have longed for the Black Cats to compete in the market with real ambition. Mukiele feels like exactly the sort of player who can transform our defensive line.

At the same time, there is caution. His recent injury history cannot be ignored, and we know the Premier League is unforgiving. Sunderland fans have been burned before by players arriving with reputations but struggling with fitness. The key will be how quickly Mukiele adapts and whether he can stay available across the campaign.

There is also pride in seeing the club blend experience with youth. Supporters want to see talents like Jenson Seelt grow, but the Premier League can be ruthless. Le Bris is right, early fixtures will shape the balance. If Mukiele beds in, if Alderete regains sharpness, suddenly we have options that were sorely lacking in previous years.

The signing signals intent. Sunderland are not here to simply survive, they are aiming to build a squad with depth, resilience and ambition. For fans, that ambition is everything.