Sunderland has confirmed the signing of Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth €20 million. The 32-year-old midfielder joins the newly-promoted Premier League club on a three-year contract, bringing a wealth of experience and leadership to the team. Xhaka’s transfer fee consists of an initial €15 million, with a further €5 million in performance-related add-ons.
Xhaka’s impressive career spans over a decade, with notable stints at Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen. During his time at Arsenal, he made 297 appearances, scoring 23 goals and providing 26 assists. He also won two FA Cups with the Gunners. At Leverkusen, Xhaka played a crucial role in the team’s success, helping them secure the Bundesliga title and DFB-Pokal in the 2023-2024 season.
The Swiss international’s signing is a significant boost for Sunderland, providing vital experience and leadership to the midfield. Xhaka’s ability to control the tempo of the game, combined with his exceptional passing range and accuracy, will be invaluable assets for the Black Cats. With his leadership qualities and footballing expertise, Xhaka is expected to play a key role in Sunderland’s Premier League survival bid.
