Sunderland has officially announced the signing of Nordi Mukiele from Paris St Germain, marking the French defender's arrival as the club's 12th addition of the summer transfer window. Mukiele has signed a four-year contract, expressing excitement about joining the Black Cats and experiencing the electric atmosphere of a sold-out Stadium of Light.

Transfer Details

The club has secured Mukiele for an initial fee of £9.5 million, with the potential for an additional £2.5 million in add-ons. The 27-year-old defender, who is capable of playing both as a centre-back and right-back, completed his medical at the end of last week. He was present in the directors' box during Sunderland's 3-0 victory over West Ham, eagerly anticipating his future contributions on the pitch.

Player Insights

Mukiele shared his enthusiasm about the move, stating, “It’s a new challenge and I’m happy to be here.” He highlighted the importance of the fans, saying, “I came here to fight for them.” With a wealth of experience from his time at Stade Lavallois, Montpellier, RB Leipzig, and PSG, Mukiele has accumulated over 300 senior appearances across the Bundesliga, Ligue 1, and the Champions League. His recent loan spell at Bayer Leverkusen saw him play alongside Sunderland's new captain, Granit Xhaka, who played a pivotal role in Mukiele's decision to join the club.

Mukiele noted, “When a player like Granit speaks, you have to listen to him with both ears,” emphasizing the impact of their conversation on his choice. He expressed confidence in the team's potential, stating, “I believe that we can do something really good.” His versatility and experience were significant factors in Sunderland's decision to pursue him, as he has previously won the German cup and two Ligue 1 titles.

As he prepares to don the number 20 shirt for Sunderland, Mukiele is ready to embrace the challenges ahead in the Premier League, believing in the collective strength of the players, fans, and the city to achieve success this season.