Manchester United have reportedly identified 24-year-old RB Leipzig right-back Nordi Mukiele as one of their defensive targets for the summer.
A recent report from Fichajes has offered an update on Manchester United’s transfer policy in the summer transfer window. The Premier League giants are targeting multiple players after the end of the season, especially in the defensive unit. One player who stands out as one of Ralf Rangnick’s desired options is Nordi Mukiele.
Manchester United have been on the trail of the RB Leipzig defender for a long-time, as Rangnick considered him an ideal solution to the club’s problems in the right-back department. The Red Devils were even in contention to sign the player in the January transfer window, but the move did not materialise.
Formerly of Montpellier, Mukiele has been a part of the Leipzig setup since 2018, joining for a fee of around €16 million. During his ongoing three and a half year spell at the Bundesliga club, the 24-year-old defender has racked up 135 competitive appearances, making quite an impression with his versatility.
Although a right-back by trade, the Frenchman is adept at playing as a centre-back, especially in a back three. He can operate in a more advanced role as well, opening up an array of tactical possibilities for any manager.
There have been question marks over Mukiele’s lack of consistency over the years. But that has not deterred Rangnick from expressing interest in the RB Leipzig defender, especially amid the uncertainty surrounding Manchester United’s right-back department. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, for one, has been widely criticised for his performances and has been linked with a rather shocking move to Bayern Munich.
Even Diogo Dalot has become a summer target for Fiorentina, which has accentuated the need for a new right-back. In Nordi Mukiele, Manchester United could find themselves an ideal option who has significant experience at the highest level of football and could enhance the club’s options with his versatility.
However, Mukiele could cost a fortune as the defender is highly rated by the Leipzig hierarchy, who are also bracing themselves for a difficult summer ahead. So it won’t be surprising to see the Bundesliga giants overvalue their players in an attempt to keep hold of certain stars, including Christopher Nkunku, who is another summer target for Manchester United.