Bayer's midfielder Granit Xhaka strikes deal with Saudi Arabian football club - Agreement Reached: Bayer Xhaka Seals Deal with Saudi Club
Granit Xhaka, the Swiss midfielder currently playing for Bayer Leverkusen, is reportedly on the verge of completing a transfer to Saudi Pro League newcomers Neom SC.
According to recent reports, Xhaka has agreed to personal terms with Neom SC, which include a contract until June 2028 and an annual salary of approximately €10 million net. Negotiations between Neom SC and Bayer Leverkusen are ongoing, with Neom having offered around €6 million for the transfer. However, Leverkusen is holding out for a higher fee, with talks scheduled around July 14, 2025, expected to be decisive.
At Bayer Leverkusen, Xhaka has been a key figure, contributing significantly to their successful 2023/24 season where the club went unbeaten in the Bundesliga and won the German Cup. Despite Leverkusen's preference to retain him, Xhaka's openness to a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia and Neom SC's willingness to negotiate indicate that a transfer is imminent.
Other clubs, including Fenerbahce, AC Milan, Galatasaray, and Inter Milan, have shown interest in Xhaka, but Neom SC appears to be the frontrunner at this moment. The potential transfer fee is reported to be in the region of €15 million, marking a significant move influenced by both sporting and financial factors.
Bayer Leverkusen, officially known as Bayer 04 Leverkusen, has already experienced several high-profile departures, including Xabi Alonso. Xhaka's travel to Brazil for Leverkusen's training camp remains uncertain due to the ongoing transfer discussions.
Xhaka, a Swiss national player, has been a consistent performer for Leverkusen since joining the club in 2016. His versatility and leadership qualities have made him a valuable asset to the team, and his potential departure would undoubtedly be a significant loss.
As talks continue, football fans eagerly await the outcome of the negotiations, with many speculating about the impact Xhaka's departure could have on both Bayer Leverkusen and Neom SC. The transfer, if it materialises, promises to be one of the most significant moves in the 2025 summer transfer window.
The European Parliament, following the potential transfer of Granit Xhaka, may discuss the implications of a high-profile player leaving a German team for a club in a foreign league, such as the Saudi Pro League. Meanwhile, sports enthusiasts across Europe and beyond are eagerly anticipating the outcome of this lucrative move in the 2025 summer transfer window, especially with European-leagues closely monitoring the developments.
