Xhaka chooses Sunderland over Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
Granit Xhaka is on the verge of making a surprise Premier League return, with newly promoted Sunderland likely to bring the Swiss international back to England. According to The Times, the 32-year-old midfielder has already agreed terms with Sunderland, and the club is now in talks with Bayer Leverkusen on a transfer fee.
“We’ve reached an agreement in principle with Sunderland,” Xhaka’s agent, Jose Noguera, confirmed. “Granit hopes to return to the Premier League. Sunderland excites him, and he wants to take on this challenge. We hope Leverkusen respects his wish to depart and that the clubs can reach an agreement quickly.”
Leverkusen are thought to be demanding £15 million for Xhaka, a reasonable asking price given his crucial part in Xabi Alonso’s unbeaten Bundesliga-winning side last season. According to the report, Sunderland’s lower bid has already been rejected.
A Statement Signed by Régis Le Bris
Xhaka would be a big signing for Sunderland and manager Régis Le Bris, indicating that the club intends to accomplish more than merely survive in the top tier. Sunderland moved rapidly to strengthen their squad after securing promotion with a thrilling play-off final win last season, thanks to a last-gasp Tommy Watson goal.
Xhaka, who played 99 games for Leverkusen over two seasons, would bring vital experience and leadership to a midfield that recently lost Jobe Bellingham to Borussia Dortmund. He is anticipated to play a deep-lying playmaker role, filling the vacuum created by Bellingham’s departure.
A Busy Summer of Ambitions
Sunderland’s summer business has already sparked concerns. The signings of Habib Diarra, Simon Adingra, Chemsdine Talbi, Reinildo, and Noah Sadiki reflect an ambitious recruitment plan that is clearly targeted at securing their Premier League status.
Adding Xhaka to the mix enhances their project. During his seven years at Arsenal, he made approximately 300 games and won two FA Cups. With a three-year deal reportedly on the table, this is more than just a short-term move for the Wearside club; it sends a clear message of ambition.
Veteran leadership and a winning mentality
For all of Sunderland’s promising young talent, Xhaka offers something unique: proven success at the highest level. His role in Leverkusen’s unbeaten league campaign demonstrates his tactical intelligence and poise, both of which will be important as Sunderland navigate their first season back in the Premier League since 2017.
If Sunderland can cut the gap on Leverkusen, this may be one of the best additions of the summer.
Our View – EPL Index Analysis
This is an absolute dream move for Sunderland fans. After years in the Championship wilderness and a heroic promotion through the play-offs, seeing a player of Xhaka’s caliber choose Sunderland over lucrative Saudi and Turkish offers feels like confirmation.
This is not simply nostalgia or romance; it is sound, savvy business. Xhaka’s time at Arsenal was polarising, but no one questioned his professionalism or technical ability. His resurgence at Leverkusen under Xabi Alonso demonstrated what he was capable of when used well – influencing tempo, winning duels, and providing a vocal presence in the heart of midfield. Sunderland’s young squad requires exactly that.
There is also optimism about the club’s overall summer window. Xhaka complements the additions of more dynamic and energetic players such as Diarra and Talbi. This is not a one-time vanity signature; it is part of a larger plan.
Régis Le Bris has a vision, and Xhaka might be the glue that keeps everything together on the field. Fans will understandably be concerned about the step up, but with Xhaka anchoring the midfield, there is genuine hope that Sunderland can do more than just stay up. They have the potential to grow and prosper.
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