Real Madrid are reportedly weighing up the prospect of signing 23-year-old French defender Nordi Mukiele from RB Leipzig next summer.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Nordi Mukiele has once again emerged on the radars of Real Madrid, this time over a move in next summer’s transfer window. The 23-year-old RB Leipzig defender is viewed as a long-term successor for Dani Carvajal.
Nordi Mukiele joined RB Leipzig from Montpellier in July 2018 and has since become a key figure for the Bundesliga giants. The French defender’s greatest asset has been his versatility, as he can play as a right-back, centre-back and right wing-back equally adeptly.
To date, the 23-year-old has made 131 appearances for RB Leipzig, chipping in with ten goals and seven assists in the process. Mukiele’s progress since joining the Bundesliga heavyweights has not gone unnoticed, with some of the biggest clubs in Europe, including Real Madrid, setting their sights on him.
The interest from Real Madrid makes a world of sense, as Dani Carvajal is the only natural right-back at Carlo Ancelotti’s disposal. With the Spaniard being beset by a few injury troubles in the past year, it behoves Real Madrid to invest in a right-back. That way, Los Blancos will have a cover for Carvajal and, in turn, also a successor for him.
Recent reports have bizarrely claimed that Real Madrid might not oppose the idea of selling Carvajal. While those suggestions are likely to be wide of the mark, it will still be prudent of the Merengues to secure the services of a youngster like Mukiele, as Alvaro Odriozola does not seem to have much of a future at the club.
With Lucas Vazquez also faltering when reprising a makeshift right-back role, signing a natural like Mukiele will be a step in the right direction. The 23-year-old’s addition will also help Ancelotti bring in another cover for the central defensive slots, with Real Madrid also searching for a centre-back.
According to Fichajes, the Spanish giants are eyeing Mukiele with a view of making a summer move for him. However, it remains to be seen if Leipzig will be open to selling the 23-year-old French defender or force Real Madrid to set their sights elsewhere, with Achraf Hakimi among their other targets.
