Swiss Midfielder Granit Xhaka Joins Sunderland Ahead of Premier League Return
Sunderland, poised to secure Granit Xhaka's signing, as per reports, following an agreed-upon fee and a scheduled medical examination.
After a four-year absence, Sunderland is set to make a triumphant return to the Premier League, and they've made a significant statement in the transfer market by securing the services of experienced midfielder Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen.
Xhaka, a Swiss international, has agreed to a three-year contract with the club, keeping him at the Stadium of Light until the summer of 2028. The fee for the 29-year-old is reported to be around £17.3 million, with potential add-ons bringing the total value to approximately £19.6 million [1][2][3].
Xhaka's impressive career in the Bundesliga saw him start all but two of Leverkusen's 34 games in the 2023/24 season, playing a crucial role in their Invincible title triumph. He also featured prominently in Leverkusen's DFB Pokal victory and their run to the Europa League final that season [1].
Before his time in Germany, Xhaka was a regular for Arsenal in the Premier League from 2016 to 2023. He started the 2019 Europa League final under Unai Emery and won the FA Cup with Arsenal under Arsene Wenger in 2017 and Mikel Arteta in 2020 [1].
Sunderland's manager, Regis Le Bris, is bolstering his squad for the new season with this high-profile signing. Xhaka will join a growing list of summer recruits, including Brighton winger Simon Adingra, as Sunderland look to strengthen their squad following their promotion via the play-offs last season [3].
This will mark Sunderland's first top-flight campaign since the 2016/17 season, where they finished bottom of the league with 24 points. The new season kicks off at home for Sunderland against West Ham United on August 16 [1].
Xhaka expressed his excitement about joining Sunderland and committing to helping the team with his experience and quality [2]. With Xhaka set to be Sunderland's ninth signing of the summer transfer window, the club is clearly aiming to make a strong impact in their return to the Premier League.
[1] BBC Sport. (2024, July 15). Sunderland sign Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/62195711
[2] Sky Sports. (2024, July 15). Granit Xhaka: Sunderland agree deal to sign midfielder from Bayer Leverkusen. Retrieved from https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/12201770/granit-xhaka-sunderland-agree-deal-to-sign-midfielder-from-bayer-leverkusen
[3] The Guardian. (2024, July 15). Sunderland sign Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen on three-year deal. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/jul/15/sunderland-sign-granit-xhaka-from-bayer-leverkusen-on-three-year-deal
Xhaka's return to the Premier League is imminent, as he has joined Sunderland from Bayer Leverkusen, following a successful career in the Bundesliga. Prior to his time in Germany, Xhaka was a regular for Arsenal in the Premier League, even starting the 2019 Europa League final and winning the FA Cup with Arsenal under Arsene Wenger and Mikel Arteta. With this high-profile signing, Sunderland's manager, Regis Le Bris, is aiming to make a strong impact in their European leagues campaign.
