Leverkusen move for Nordi Mukiele

Mukiele has spent the last two seasons at PSG, featuring in 45 games in all competitions. He made the switch to the Ligue 1 side from Leipzig, where he won the DFB Cup in the last of his four campaigns at the Red Bull Arena. All told, the former Montpellier player appeared 146 times for Die Roten Bullen, with 100 of those appearances coming in the Bundesliga. 

"His profile makes him an excellent fit for our team," said Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes. "He has a great deal of Champions League experience with 30 appearances and, as an accomplished footballer, he can play both as a right-back and as a central defender. Of course, his Bundesliga knowledge is also a big plus for us. After 100 league games for RB Leipzig, Nordi knows the ins and outs of German football, will quickly familiarise himself and further improve the quality of our squad."

Mukiele, who has yet to play for parent club PSG this season, could go straight into the Leverkusen squad to face Leipzig on Saturday.

The one-time France international can play on the right-hand side or at centre-back. He will provide invaluable experience and competition for places for a Leverkusen team competing on three fronts - the Bundesliga, DFB Cup and UEFA Champions League - in 2024/25.

"It's a great thing for me to return to Germany, and especially to the Bundesliga champions," said the 26-year-old defender. "Competing in the Champions League with Bayer 04 has a special appeal. I'm simply looking forward to giving my all for Leverkusen, both in Europe and in domestic competitions."