Granit Xhaka Signs for Sunderland in Major Premier League Return

Sunderland have signed Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen. The deal is worth up to €20 million, and the experienced player has agreed on a three-year contract that will run until 2027, as confirmed by reports.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The 32-year-old Xhaka has signed for Sunderland after two productive seasons in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen. The newly-promoted Premier League outfit reached an agreement with the German champions to bring Xhaka in. They are paying an initial fee of around €17 million that could rise to €20 million with add-ons. Xhaka agreed to personal terms last week and has now been spotted around Sunderland and pictured with club officials. The midfielder played 32 Bundesliga games last season, scoring four times and providing several assists, as Leverkusen won the Bundesliga title in the 2023/2024 season and finished as runner-ups last time around, in 2024/2025.

WHY THIS TRANSFER MATTERS:

Xhaka provides Sunderland with vital experience, having played 297 times for Arsenal and winning two FA Cups before his switch to the Bundesliga. Sunderland were promoted to the Premier League via the play-off final, beating Sheffield United, earning a spot in the top flight for the first time since 2017. The club has invested heavily to try and secure survival, with around €114 million spent over the summer. As reported, Xhaka’s experience is seen as crucial to Sunderland’s survival hopes, as he adds composure and leadership to a youthful squad.

WHAT NEXT FOR SUNDERLAND?

Sunderland now prepare for their opening Premier League game against West Ham at the Stadium of Light. The visitors finished 14th in the Premier League last season as Sunderland looks for a strong start on their return to the top flight. Matches against Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa follow after the visit of the London side, and Sunderland will be hoping to avoid dropping into the bottom three early on in the season. Xhaka will be expected to hit the ground running as Sunderland looks to stay in the Premier League. The team currently sits level with other promoted sides ahead of the return to action and will need to find vital early points if they are to have a chance of remaining among England’s elite.