Sunderland on the brink of securing Granit Xhaka's signature following negotiated transfer fee and scheduled medical appointment, according to recent news reports.
Sunderland have announced the signing of Swiss international midfielder Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen on a three-year contract until June 2028. The 32-year-old midfielder, who has extensive Premier League experience, will join Sunderland as they prepare for their return to the top-flight next season.
The transfer fee for Xhaka's services is reported to be around €20 million (£17 million). Sunderland will pay an initial £13 million, with potential add-ons of up to £4 million.
Xhaka, who was a key player for Bayer Leverkusen during their Invincible 2023/24 Bundesliga title triumph, started all but two games. He also made 33 appearances in the league last season, adding two goals and seven assists to his tally.
Before joining Bayer Leverkusen, Xhaka was a regular for Arsenal, playing 297 matches, scoring 23 goals, and providing 26 assists. He started the 2019 Europa League final for the Gunners and won the FA Cup with Arsenal under Arsene Wenger in 2017 and under Mikel Arteta in 2020.
Regis Le Bris, the manager of Sunderland's squad, has been actively strengthening his team for the upcoming season. Enzo Le Fee, Habib Diarra, Matthew Burns, Noah Sadiki, Reinildo Mandava, Chamsdine Talbi, Simon Adingra, and Isaac Allan have already joined Sunderland this summer.
Sunderland earned promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs last season and will kick off the new campaign at home against West Ham United on Saturday, August 16. Xhaka's arrival is a significant boost to their squad as they aim to establish themselves in the Premier League.
[1] Sunderland Echo, "Sunderland close in on Granit Xhaka transfer," (2025) [2] BBC Sport, "Xhaka signs for Sunderland," (2025) [3] Arsenal.com, "Granit Xhaka stats," (2025) [4] Sunderland AFC, "Granit Xhaka signs for Sunderland," (2025)
European-leagues witnessed the move of Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen to Sunderland for a reported fee of €20 million (£17 million). As Sunderland prepare for their return to the Premier League next season, Xhaka's joining marks a significant strengthening of their squad, with much anticipation surrounding his contributions to the team.
