PSG close in on Mukiele – here’s what it means for Man Utd dream Hakimi

Robin Bairner

20 Jul 2022 08:56 CDT
3 min read

Kylian Mbappe, Achraf Hakimi, PSG, 2021/22 — © ProShots

Manchester United might be advised to turn towards PSG’s Achraf Hakimi once again as they continue their search to find a right-back.

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The Red Devils have long pinpointed the full-back role as one of their areas of weakness, with Erik ten Hag having already drawn up a shortlist of possible replacements.

As FootballTransfers reported, Hakimi made this list, though only in the form of a “dream” signing for the new manager.

Now, though, PSG are chasing another international star who can play right-back. Does this open the door to a possible transfer for Hakimi?

According to FootMercato, PSG sporting director Luis Campos has made Nordi Mukiele of RB Leipzig his No.1 signing priority. The former Montpellier man had also been mentioned in connection to Man Utd, though there was never a truly strong link.

Indeed, L’Equipe goes further and says that PSG have made multiple offers for the defender and that the difference between what the Ligue 1 side are offering and what Leipzig expect is now no longer significant. A deal is set to be struck at over €10 million for a player with just a single year left to run on his deal.

A deal has reportedly been agreed between PSG and the player.

How this effects Man Utd

While this might give Man Utd a glimmer of hope that Hakimi is available for transfer, the prospect of a deal being conducted remain slim.

One of the Mukiele’s selling points to PSG is that he is able to play both on the right and in the centre of the defence, with new head coach Christophe Galtier likely to use him more frequently in the latter position.

Indeed, Galtier confirmed after the 2-1 win over Kawasaki on Wednesday:

"The club is searching for a right-back who is versatile. As backup in that position today, we've only got Eric Dina Ebimbe, who is not a specialist there," he said. "I can't comment on what happens internally. There are deals that are very active."

In addition, there is little to attract Hakimi to Man Utd at the moment: they do not have Champions League football and the player is settled at PSG. Mukiele may be heading to Paris, but don’t count on Hakimi leaving.