Sunderland have confirmed their signing of Swiss captain and Bundesliga invincible Granit Xhaka in deal worth €20 million from Bayer Leverkusen.
A number of clubs expressed interest in the Bundesliga winner including Turkish side Fenerbahçe and new Saudi side NEOM SC, who pulled out of negotiations early. Granit Xhaka had three years left in his contract with Bayer Leverkusen, but was allowed to leave after a deal was agreed between clubs.
Ten Hag troubles
Leverkusen coach Erik ten Hag denied any intent to allow Xhaka to be sold in this transfer window. He said that Xhaka was “too important to let go”.
Despite ten Hag’s unwillingness to let Xhaka go, the deal was done.
Leverkusen expected at least €19.5 million to allow Xhaka to join the newly-promoted Premier League side.
On July 22, The Athletic reported that Xhaka told Leverkusen that he wanted the move to Sunderland, having already agreed personal terms with the club.
Why do Sunderland want Xhaka?
As Sunderland look to bolster their ranks following their promotion to the Premier League, signing the ex-Arsenal midfielder with plenty of experience in the Premier League could prove to be one of their best transfers of the Summer. The departure of Jobe Bellingham to Borussia Dortmund required strengthening of the midfield.
Granit Xhaka is known for his precise passes slicing through midfields, keeping the ball under a heavy press, and for getting plenty of red cards during his time at Arsenal. A presence like his at Sunderland could provide stability as they find their feet in the Premier League.
Xhaka was influential in Bayer Leverkusen’s invincible Bundesliga run and DFB Pokal victory in the 2023/24 season, scoring the winner in the 1-0 DFB Pokal final against Kaiserslautern. With Xabi Alonso, Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and now Xhaka departing, a different era is now truly upon the Werkself.
Xhaka has 137 caps for Switzerland and had made 66 appearances for Bayer Leverkusen since 2023, scoring 5 goals.
