Leipzig's French defender Nordi Mukiele throws in the ball during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg football match between RB Leipzig and Tottenham Hotspur in Leipzig, eastern Germany on March 10, 2020. (Photo by Ronny Hartmann / AFP) (Photo by RONNY HARTMANN/AFP via Getty Images)
According to Le10 Sport (h/t The Mirror), Liverpool are considering a move for RB Leipzig youngster Nordi Mukiele in the summer.
Mukiele, 22, came through the ranks of Paris FC’s youth system and joined Stade Laval’s U19 side. After featuring for the club at different age levels, he made a breakthrough in the 2014/15 season. In the summer of 2017, Montpellier signed him and he impressed there.
His eye-catching displays earned him a moved to Bundesliga with RB Leipzig, where he has developed into a fine right-back. And he has had a standout season with Leipzig this term. His impressive performances have also put him on the radar of French giants Paris Saint-Germain, who are on the lookout for a replacement for Thomas Meunier, as per the report.
Since claiming the league title, Liverpool’s performances have not been the best. In their last five league games, they have won just twice and defence has been a problem for them. Except for Virgil van Dijk, none of the centre-backs has been excellent. Thus, it is clear that the manager should bring in central defenders if they are to continue with their dominance in England.
Apart from a central defender, Klopp should focus on bringing full-backs to the squad. Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold are the two main full-backs available at the manager’s disposal. They have been key to the squad at both ends of the pitch, racking up 22 assists between them.
However, apart from them, the Reds don’t have any other established midfielder. Nathaniel Clyne struggled to make it to the starting XI for the past few years and eventually left the club last month.
The young Neco Williams was just promoted to the senior squad. He is inexperienced and cannot be depended upon until he develops himself. Thus, with limited options at the back, signing a full-back would make sense.
In that regard, signing Leipzig’s Mukiele would do them a world of good. Thy youngster’s rise over the past couple of years has been incredible. He has enjoyed a productive season so far, scoring 3 goals and providing 3 assists in 35 league games. He is just 22 and has a lot of room for development.
The Former French U21 international has been an integral part of the side that has conceded just 37 goals as they boast of the second-best defensive record in the Bundesliga this term. Mukiele’s versatility would be a boost to Tottenham as he can play anywhere across the backline. He can also operate in a midfield role.
With limited options, Liverpool are in need of full-backs to bring in competition for Alexander-Arnold. Mukiele could provide them with some much-needed depth. Thus, the Reds should manage to lure the Frenchman to Anfield this summer.
