Performing with RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga, Nordi Mukiele logically attracted the attention of PSG in the summer of 2022. Recruited for around 15 million euros, the French international appeared like a smart move on paper: a powerful, versatile defender, capable of playing both in the center and on the right flank. However, under the leadership of Luis Enrique, Parisian history will never take hold. The flow does not flow, the opportunities become rare, and Mukiele ends up leaving the capital to relaunch in the Bundesliga, loaned to Bayer Leverkusen of Xabi Alonso. A rather convincing passage, but insufficient to fit into the Spanish technician’s long-term plans. PSG then decides definitively and lets its defender slip away, who chooses to bounce back in the Premier League, on the Sunderland side. A choice which, today, clearly looks like a perfectly calculated decision.
Because in Sunderland, Nordi Mukiele has finally regained playing time and his former status. Currently eighth in the Premier League, just 4 points behind fourth-placed Liverpool, the club coached by Régis Le Bris is having a convincing first half of the season. Several individuals stand out, like Isidor in attack or Enzo Le Fée in the middle, but it is Mukiele who impresses the most defensively. Whether he plays in the center or at the right-back position, he has become an indisputable starter: 19 matches played, 19 starts. A rare consistency at this level, accompanied by notable offensive statistics for a defender, with a goal and an assist, scored against Wolves and against Arsenal. At 28 years old, Mukiele seems to have reached full maturity.
A benchmark fight against Erling Haaland
His rise to power really stood out to the general public during the clash against Manchester City on the 19th day of the Premier League. In a boiling Stadium of Light, transformed this season into a real fortress, where no big team, not even Arsenal, came away with 3 points, Nordi Mukiele delivered a major performance. Opposed to Erling Haaland, top scorer in the championship (19 goals), the former Parisian won the majority of his duels, completely isolating the Norwegian striker. Haaland silenced, City in great difficulty, only 2 shots on target in the first half: a negative record for Pep Guardiola’s team. The former PSG player, imperial, was logically rewarded with the man of the match trophy, a symbol of total defensive domination.
Even Pep Guardiola had to bow to the evidence: “We accept this point. In the second half, the team played better and created more clear chances. In the first half, we really struggled against Sunderland’s pressing. » A strong admission, which underlines the impact of the French defender in the Black Cats organization. And far from being an isolated stroke of brilliance, Mukiele confirmed this level of demand against Tottenham this Sunday (1-1). Still solid, still dominant, he took on Richarlison in a duel and emerged victorious on several occasions. Even more interesting, he projected himself forward, showing real technical ease and a reading of the game worthy of a modern, complete defender, paradoxically very close to the profiles sought by Luis Enrique… who no longer wanted PSG.
A possible place at the 2026 World Cup?
From then on, a question naturally arises: can Nordi Mukiele once again become a credible option for the France team? In Sunderland, the debate is launched. On X, the club reposted a publication from the player celebrating his man of the match trophy, directly identifying the France team. A wink full of meaning, reflecting a feeling shared by a large part of the supporters: Mukiele has his place in the discussion. Competition remains fierce, obviously. On the right, Jules Koundé and Malo Gusto have a head start. In the middle, Upamecano and Saliba seem untouchable, but behind them, everything is open. Lucas Hernandez, despite 6 good months at PSG, is not untouchable. Ibrahima Konaté is going through a complicated period with Liverpool, like his team. And above all, Mukiele has one major asset going for him: his versatility.
Especially since Didier Deschamps already knows the player. In 2021, the Blues coach called on Mukiele after the exclusion of Jules Koundé against Bosnia. He then joined the group, on the eve of a crucial trip to Ukraine for the 2022 World Cup qualifiers. Proof that the defender is already on the federal radars. A few months before the 2026 World Cup, Nordi Mukiele knows that he has never been closer to a return to the debate. If he maintains this level of demand and this consistency in the Premier League until the end of May, the date of Didier Deschamps’ list for the World Cup, he will no longer just be an outsider, but a credible candidate.
