Mukiele could be a €10m bargain for Man Utd or PSG

FT Desk

• Updated: 11 May 2022 12:20 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain could bolster their defence with the signing of Nordi Mukiele this summer, with RB Leipzig reported to be demanding as little as €10 million for the Frenchman.

Both teams have problems at right-back. At Man Utd, Aaron Wan-Bissaka posts good defensive stats but offers very little going forward. For PSG, Achraf Hakimi hasn’t been nearly the attacking proposition he was at Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan.

Mukiele would seem to tick boxes for both clubs. The 24-year-old had a hand in three of Leipzig’s four goals as they kept their Champions League hopes alive with a 4-0 win over Augsburg in the Bundesliga last Sunday, and he should be approaching his prime.

However, German sports daily Bildreport that Leipzig are willing to part ways with Mukiele after a season in which he has flattered to deceive.

“Mukiele's contract ends next summer,” they report. “While there is already agreement on new contracts with Kevin Kampl (31) and Marcel Halstenberg (30), whose deals also expire in 2023, nothing has happened with Mukiele. According to BILD's information, talks have not yet taken place. And a new contract offer is – as of now – not to be expected either.

“The club would let the current contract expire - or sell him this summer. The goal should be €10 million. At least.”

Why is Mukiele surplus to requirements?

Whilst his performance against Augsburg was impressive, Mukiele has managed just two goals and five assists in 37 games in all competitions this season, and Leipzig feel well stocked in the position with Germany internationals Lukas Klostermann and Benjamin Henrichs also on their books.

The Red Bull-backed club paid Montpellier €16m for Mukiele in 2018, and making most of that money back will be seen as an achievement.

On the other hand, there is still a good player in there – one who’s attacking stats should be taken with a pinch of salt given he has also featured as part of a back three this season – and Man Utd and PSG could both do worse than letting Leipzig see a return on their investment.