I dont think Seelt is good enough for the PL yet, just from the bits I've seen hes over aggressive at times and then struggles when CFs back into him. Of course he would improve playing week in week out but his confidence could take a hit if he's struggling at the start. He looked good against the European teams in preseason but the games where CFs play up against him he really struggles. I really like Alese, again not convinced he's PL at the minute - mainly due to not playing enough. He has the raw attributes to play in the PL but for me his positional play isn't there yet and he needs to become more aggressive. Both players are talented but they have to go and play week in week out. Them staying and being 4th/5th choice will do nothing for their careers and we won't truly know how good to could be unless they play regularly Just my opinion of course, I just think these lads are at an age where they must play regularly and neither will get that next season with us (1 might have a chance as 4th or 5th choice at best)
Alese is likely leaving the club, according to Nick Barnes and Phil Smith on the live on the whistle, Alese expects to leave the club whether that be on loan or permanent. Club is also lining up a loan for Seelt to NEC where we bought Roefs from. It’s likely we will sign another CB or try to
I think a loan until January makes sense for Alese. Has everything but playing time to be an excellent centre half. Probably also true of Seelt but as Ballard isn’t likely to start 40 odd games and O’Nien is out for a while I’d be inclined to keep Seelt around until/unless we bring a RCB in. I don’t think that’s Mukiele although his ability to play there is useful. ( assuming he does sign).
For Alese as a player I definitely agree. For the club it comes down to fee if someone wants a permanent. We played a blinder with LND and getting a few million for Alese could again be excellent business if he can’t get past his injury woes.
Sunderland AFC is delighted to announce the arrival of Nordi Mukiele, subject to international clearance. The defender has signed a four-year contract at the Stadium of Light following the start of the 2025-26 Premier League season. Capped by France, Mukiele moves to Wearside from Paris Saint-Germain for an undisclosed fee, having spent last season on loan at Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga. Before his time at the Parc des Princes, the 27-year-old represented Stade Lavallois, Montpellier HSC, and RB Leipzig. Mukiele’s vast experience in Europe’s elite leagues has seen him make more than 300 appearances to date, including 115 in the Bundesliga, 85 in Ligue 1, and 35 in the UEFA Champions League. After signing on Wearside, he said: “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. I see some good players and see their quality, so I believe that we can do something good together – and when I say together, I mean the players, the fans and the city. We will need everyone this season.” Mukiele began his professional career with Paris FC before moving to Laval and breaking into Les Tango’s senior team aged 17. The defender moved to Montpellier in 2017 and made 50 appearances during an 18-month spell at the Stade de la Mosson, which ended when he joined RB Leipzig. Mukiele enjoyed an outstanding four-season run at the Red Bull Arena, where he made more than 100 appearances and won the DFB-Pokal in 2022. He joined Paris Saint-Germain and won back-to-back Ligue 1 titles in 2023 and 2024 – in addition to the 2024 Coupe de France and two Trophée des Champions - before joining then reigning Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen last summer. Mukiele featured alongside fellow summer arrival Granit Xhaka during his time on loan at the BayArena, where he made 24 appearances across domestic and European competitions. Kristjaan Speakman added: “Nordi possesses rare athletic qualities that are perfectly suited to our team in the Premier League. In addition, he has tactical versatility as a right back and centre back – for these reasons, we felt it was an acquisition we needed to make to enhance our group. He’s had a variety of experiences in Europe, including in the Champions League, and now he’s motivated to show his ability for Sunderland AFC in the Premier League. We’re delighted to complete this deal.” The 27-year-old will wear the number 20 shirt. NORDI MUKIELE SIGNS FOR SUNDERLAND - Sunderland AFC
From his first words as a Sunderland player, it’s clear that Nordi Mukiele will play with his heart on his sleeve, a trait he hopes will resonate with Sunderland fans. Mukiele became the 12th signing of the summer, joining from Paris Saint-Germain on a permanent deal. “If you give me love, I will give you ten times more love. This is what I am going to do here, ‘til the end,” he said. “I will bring heart. I really love football and I love to give everything to people who also give me love. “Also, my quality on the pitch. I think I have a good experience in the game now and I also want to give that back to my teammates.” Mukiele continued: “I know the story of Sunderland so it didn’t take long to make a decision. It was a bit fast, but I love football which means I love challenges. I will just try to give everything for this club. I will do that from the first day.” The French international boasts a strong CV, having played for Montpellier, RB Leipzig and, most recently, Bayer Leverkusen in the 2024–25 season. His time in Leverkusen was shared with Sunderland’s newly-appointed captain, Granit Xhaka. “I talked to him and he explained to me about the challenge and why he chose to come here,” Mukiele explained. “When a player like Granit speaks, you have to listen to him with both ears! “This is one of the reasons why I could really understand this project. It was a long conversation but a good one, because it meant I made the decision really quickly. “I felt something in my body that said just to go. Don’t look back. This is what I did.” “Everyone knows that when you get promoted to the Premier League, it is not easy. I believe that we can do something really good. “Just dream with us. Look forward.” Mukiele: "I will bring heart" - Sunderland AFC
@Phil__Smith RLB says he doesn't think that the Jenson Seelt injury looks serious on initial assessment.
that defence is really getting sorted Luke might have a job getting back in. Dan might be at Real madrid/Liverpool next season for £100m which is worrying !
Don't worry too much Monty lad...for the first time in living memory this club knows what it's doing.
I was at Goodison as a kid when Jimmy Hill played his fiddle that night, I was at Wembley to see us lose to Norwich and Charlton. Apart from the legendry six in a row, have seen some absolute dross in red and white shirts, Im so used to my club being 2nd best, I just cant cope with this new sunny side up mentality and an owner plus backroom who actually know what they are doing. The recruitment has been off the chart, everything now done so well and astutely. We are back, Haway the Lads, FTM.
