According to a recent report by Le10Sport, Liverpool have ‘made their arrangements’ to get in touch with Red Bull Leipzig defender Nordi Mukiele this summer. The same source has also mentioned that the Reds are yet to launch an offer for the player but are prepared to compete with Paris Saint-Germain in pursuit of his services when the transfer window reopens later this month.
Mukiele’s Impressive Form At Leipzig This Season
The French right-back has enjoyed a solid campaign at the Red Bull Arena after producing several eye-catching performances on the right side of Julian Nagelsmann’s defence. He has made 35 appearances for the German outfit this term, scoring three goals and providing three assists in all competitions which sheds light on his growing influence in the opposition half.
Mukiele has been an all-around performer as part of the Leipzig backline based on his average of 2.5 tackles, 1.7 interceptions, 2.3 clearances, 1.0 shots, 0.6 key passes and 0.5 dribbles per game in the Bundesliga and the UEFA Champions League this season (stats via whoscored).
The 22-year-old has also represented France at various youth levels but is still waiting to earn his first senior cap for his country. Maybe a summer switch to Anfield could provide him with a more prominent platform to prove his worth and catch the attention of Les Bleus boss Didier Deschamps ahead of next year’s UEFA European Championship finals.
What Will The French Youngster Bring To The Table?
Mukiele is a moderately paced full-back who can make some darting runs down the right flank. He is a reliable defender in a 1v1 situation and can pull off some crucial interceptions and last-gasp clearances for his side. The Frenchman also has a knack for scoring goals now and then which makes him such a useful component in Nagelsmann’s squad.
Is Signing Mukiele A Wise Move For The Reds?
Acquiring an up-and-coming talent like Mukiele could prove to be a clever long-term move for Liverpool as he will provide some healthy competition for Trent Alexander-Arnold at Anfield in the coming seasons. He will not only add more stability and variety to Jurgen Klopp’s backline but also improve the overall depth of his squad. Plus, he could serve as an ideal replacement for the injury-prone Nathaniel Clyne who was released by the Merseyside giants earlier this month.
At 22, Mukiele is at the prime age to give his best years to Liverpool, but there are some question marks over his ability to cope with the physicality and high intensity of Premier League football. Either way, the pros outweigh the cons of signing him so it would be a wise move for Klopp to orchestrate a move to bring him to Anfield before the start of the new campaign.
