MUKIELE SIGNS

Sunderland have confirmed the signing of 27-year-old centre back Nordi Mukiele from Paris Saint-Germain. The France international joins on a four year contract for £9.5 million plus £2.5 million in add-ons. He becomes our 12th summer signing.

Mukiele started his career with Laval before moving to Montpellier then RB Leipzig. At Leipzig, he played just under 150 games and won the DFB Pokal in 2022 before moving to PSG in the same year. Whilst in Paris, he won two league titles, a Coupe de France and two Trophée des Champions and he spent last year on loan at Bayer Leverkusen, playing alongside our captain, Granit Xhaka. He will wear the number 20 shirt.

The player had this to say: “It’s a new challenge and I’m happy to be here. I saw the atmosphere of the stadium, and this is something I really like. The fans are very important in football, and especially in Sunderland. I came here to fight for them. I see some good players and see their quality, so I believe that we can do something good together – and when I say together, I mean the players, the fans and the city. We will need everyone this season.”

Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman said this: “Nordi possesses rare athletic qualities that are perfectly suited to our team in the Premier League. In addition, he has tactical versatility as a right back and centre back – for these reasons, we felt it was an acquisition we needed to make to enhance our group. He’s had a variety of experiences in Europe, including in the Champions League, and now he’s motivated to show his ability for Sunderland AFC in the Premier League. We’re delighted to complete this deal.”