Paris Saint-Germain confirmed the signing of RB Leipzig defender Nordi Mukiele on Tuesday as coach Christophe Galtier continued to shape his side.
Mukiele appeared destined to become a PSG player when Leipzig announced he had been granted absence from their squad for the DFL-Supercup due to ongoing transfer negotiations on Monday.
Despite reports of late interest from Chelsea, PSG sealed the acquisition of the 24-year-old and will reportedly pay an initial €12million fee, which could reach a total of €16million with add-ons included.
Mukiele has signed a five-year deal at the Parc des Princes, becoming the third new arrival of the transfer window after midfielder Vitinha and striker Hugo Ekitike, while left-back Nuno Mendes made his loan from Sporting CP permanent.
Speaking to PSG s website, Mukiele said: When I found out that Paris were interested in me and that they wanted me to come here, I had to think about it because it s very important.
It s a very big step in my career, it s not a choice to be taken lightly. But I think and I m sure I made the right choice.
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English)
Mukiele made 28 appearances – 21 of them starts – as Leipzig finished fourth in the Bundesliga last season, contributing to the side matching Bayern Munich as the competition s best defensive side.
No Bundesliga team conceded fewer than their 37 goals across the 2021-22 campaign, while only Bayern and Wolfsburg (both 11) bettered their tally of 10 clean sheets.
PSG won three out of three fixtures during a pre-season tour of Japan, though Galtier expressed frustration with their defending after Monday s 6-2 rout of Gamba Osaka.
Mukiele, who is capable of playing at full-back and centre-back, is expected to challenge for a spot in a three-man backline next season.
