Sunderland has made a significant move in the transfer market by signing French defender Nordi Mukiele from Paris St-Germain for a fee of £12 million. This deal brings Sunderland's total summer spending to approximately £141.5 million, edging closer to the record held by Nottingham Forest for the most transfers by a promoted Premier League club in a single window.

Mukiele, who spent last season on loan at Bayer Leverkusen, has signed a four-year contract with Sunderland. The 27-year-old defender expressed his excitement about the new challenge, stating, "It's a new challenge and I'm happy to be here. I saw the atmosphere of the stadium, and this is something I really like. The fans are very important in football, and especially in Sunderland. I came here to fight for them."

Key Signings and Departures

Sunderland's summer transfer activity has been extensive, with 12 new players joining the club, including former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka and winger Simon Adingra from Brighton. The club also broke their transfer record by signing Habib Diarra from Strasbourg for around £30 million.

To balance the books, Sunderland has also seen high-profile departures, including Jobe Bellingham moving to Borussia Dortmund and Tom Watson joining Brighton, generating a combined total of approximately £37 million.

Mukiele's Career and Versatility

Mukiele, who joined PSG in 2022 and won five trophies with the club, brings a wealth of experience to Sunderland. He has played 35 Champions League games and is known for his tactical versatility, capable of playing both as a centre-back and a right-back. Sunderland's sporting director, Kristjaan Speakman, praised Mukiele's "rare athletic qualities" and his ability to adapt to different roles on the pitch.

Other Premier League Transfers

Sunderland is not alone in their spending spree. Burnley has brought in 13 new players at a cost of around £100 million, while Leeds United has invested £73.5 million in their eight signings so far. The competition in the Premier League is fierce, and clubs are pulling out all the stops to strengthen their squads.

Conclusion

With the addition of Mukiele and other key signings, Sunderland is positioning itself as a strong contender in the Premier League. The club's ambitious transfer strategy reflects their determination to make a significant impact in their return to the top flight.