(Credit: Getty, Imago)

Edward Bazeley

Fri 15 August 2025 14:59, UK

Luke O’Nien could already regret penning a new deal at Sunderland as the Mackems close in on signing Nordi Mukiele from PSG.

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Black Cats boss Regis Le Bris has been busy in the transfer market, while Sunderland have signed Reinildo, as well as fellow defenders Omar Alderete and Arthur Masuaku.

Such developments have lowered O’Nien’s place in the Mackems’ pecking order, even though he signed a new contract on Thursday, 14 August.

The 30-year-old has played an integral role in Sunderland’s rise back to the Premier League from League One, and made 45 Championship appearances last term.

Le Bris is strengthening his squad (Credit: Imago)

Le Bris’ eagerness to achieve Premier League survival was epitomised when Sunderland signed Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen.

The Switzerland international was a class act in Germany, and helped Leverkusen win the domestic double following a remarkable 2023/24 campaign.

Meanwhile, Le Bris’ ambition in the transfer market is not ending there, with Sunderland seeking more top talents from around Europe.

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Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg revealed via X: “Nordi Mukiele is now close to joining Sunderland with immediate effect.

The negotiations are at an advanced stage.

“Granit Xhaka and Mukiele could soon be reunited, if everything goes according to plan.”

The PSG defender spent last season on loan with Leverkusen, making 24 appearances for Xhaka’s former club last term.

Sunderland have already heavily bolstered their defence this summer, so Mukiele’s arrival will further damage O’Nien’s chances of enjoying regular game time in the Premier League.

The former Wycombe Wanderers man could soon become unhappy in the North East, despite just agreeing to a new deal.

https://x.com/Plettigoal/status/1956319504004174222?s=19

Since joining the Black Cats from Wycombe back in 2018, O’Nien has established himself as a fans’ favourite among the Stadium of Light faithful.

The 30-year-old proved to be a class act for the North East club in both League One and the Championship, excelling in a variety of positions.

O’Nien has also stood out as an impressive leader throughout his time at Sunderland, helping them win two promotions, from the third tier to the Premier League.

Luke O’Nien statsChampionship 2024/25Appearances45Goals3Assists1O’Nien has been a key figure at Sunderland

But now that Sunderland have recruited better defenders than O’Nien ahead of their long-awaited top-flight return, the former Watford man is set to become more of an influence in the changing room and on the training ground than he is on matchday.

However, after starring for the Mackems for seven consecutive seasons, he may feel aggrieved by his lack of game time in the Premier League.

Meanwhile, commentator Ian Darke outlined what Masuaku can bring to the North East in a Mackem News exclusive.

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