Newcastle now in negotiations to sign £113k/wk PSG player – report

As Newcastle United prepare for their Champions League return, Eddie Howe’s recruitment team has identified Paris Saint-Germain’s versatile defender Nordi Mukiele as a cost-effective solution to bolster their backline.

The Magpies have reportedly initiated talks with the French champions, submitting an opening bid of £12.7 million for the 27-year-old French international who spent last season on loan at Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen.

Mukiele’s profile presents an intriguing opportunity for Newcastle as they navigate the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). The right-back/center-back hybrid offers valuable tactical flexibility and Champions League experience at a fraction of the cost of other targets.

His potential acquisition follows the expected signing of Porto’s Samu Aghehowa and comes alongside continued interest in Roma’s Evan Ndicka, demonstrating Newcastle’s multi-pronged approach to squad reinforcement.

Financial expert Kieran Maguire’s analysis highlights Newcastle’s challenging position:

“Clubs like Newcastle find themselves in a frustrating position,” Maguire explains. “While owners possess the willingness to invest, the current cost control measures create artificial barriers to progression that earlier beneficiaries like City and Chelsea didn’t face.”

This financial reality has forced Newcastle to be creative in the market, targeting players like Mukiele who offer high value at reasonable prices.

The Frenchman’s €15 million valuation represents a potential bargain for a player with:

• 24 appearances for Bundesliga champions Leverkusen
• 2 goals and 1 assist last season
• Ability to play across the backline
• Prime age at 27 years old

Competition and Tactical Fit

Mukiele finds himself at a career crossroads with PSG ready to sell, prompting interest from across Europe:

Newcastle’s Champions League status and Premier League platform give them an edge over most competitors, though the player may need convincing about his role behind Kieran Trippier in the pecking order.

Howe values Mukiele’s unique blend of attributes that mirror several top European defenders:

Comparable Defenders (FBRef Data)

This data illustrates Mukiele’s well-rounded profile combining defensive solidity with attacking contribution – precisely what Newcastle require to compete on multiple fronts.

Strategic Window Taking Shape

The potential Mukiele deal reflects Newcastle’s evolving transfer strategy:

1. Value Hunting – Targeting quality players at reasonable fees (Cordero, Mukiele)
2. Versatility – Prioritizing multi-positional players to maximize squad depth
3. Experience Balance – Blending youth with proven performers in their prime

With negotiations now underway, Newcastle face competition but possess strong selling points. Mukiele’s familiarity with European football and ability to cover multiple defensive positions make him an ideal rotational option as the Magpies prepare for their busiest season in two decades.

As the summer progresses, this potential acquisition could prove one of the smarter pieces of business in a market increasingly skewed by financial regulations.

For Mukiele, it represents a chance to establish himself in the Premier League with a club on an upward trajectory – an opportunity that may prove too good to refuse despite interest from elsewhere.