Report: Sunderland agree terms with ex Arsenal midfielder | OneFootball

Granit Xhaka’s Return to the Premier League: Sunderland Set for a Major Midfield Coup

Xhaka Chooses Sunderland Over Saudi and Turkey

Granit Xhaka is on the verge of a sensational Premier League return, with newly promoted Sunderland set to bring the Swiss international back to English football. As reported by The Times, the 32-year-old midfielder has already agreed terms with the Black Cats, and now Sunderland are negotiating with Bayer Leverkusen over a transfer fee.

“We’ve reached an agreement in principle with Sunderland,” said Xhaka’s agent, Jose Noguera. “Granit wants to return to the Premier League. Sunderland excites him, he wants to take on this challenge. We hope Leverkusen will respect his wish to leave and that the clubs will find an agreement soon.”

Leverkusen are believed to be holding out for £15 million – a reasonable demand considering Xhaka’s pivotal role in Xabi Alonso’s unbeaten Bundesliga-winning side last season. Sunderland, according to the report, have already had a lower bid rejected.

A Statement Signing for Régis Le Bris

Xhaka would be a marquee signing for Sunderland and their manager Régis Le Bris, signalling the club’s intent to do more than just survive in the top flight. After sealing promotion through a dramatic play-off final win last season – courtesy of a last-gasp Tommy Watson goal – Sunderland have moved quickly to bolster their squad.

Xhaka, who made 99 appearances across two seasons for Leverkusen, would add invaluable experience and leadership to a midfield that recently lost Jobe Bellingham to Borussia Dortmund. He is expected to take up a deep-lying playmaker role, filling the void left by Bellingham’s departure.

A Busy Summer of Ambition

Sunderland’s summer business has already raised eyebrows. The arrivals of Habib Diarra, Simon Adingra, Chemsdine Talbi, Reinildo, and Noah Sadiki demonstrate an aggressive recruitment strategy, clearly aimed at consolidating their Premier League status.

Adding Xhaka to that mix elevates their project. His seven years at Arsenal saw him rack up nearly 300 appearances and win two FA Cups. With a three-year deal reportedly on the table, this isn’t just a short-term move – it’s a clear message of ambition from the Wearside club.

Photo: IMAGO

Veteran Leadership and Winning Mentality

For all of Sunderland’s promising young talent, Xhaka brings something rare: proven success at the top level. His role in Leverkusen’s unbeaten league campaign underlines his tactical intelligence and composure – qualities that will be vital as Sunderland navigate their first season back in the Premier League since 2017.

If Sunderland can close the gap with Leverkusen, this could go down as one of the standout signings of the summer.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Sunderland fan’s perspective, this is nothing short of a dream move. After years in the Championship wilderness, and a heroic promotion via the play-offs, seeing a player of Xhaka’s calibre choosing Sunderland over lucrative Saudi and Turkish offers feels like validation. This isn’t just nostalgia or romanticism – it’s smart, strategic business.

Xhaka’s time at Arsenal was polarising, but no one doubted his professionalism or technical ability. His reinvention at Leverkusen under Xabi Alonso showed the world what he could do when utilised properly – dictating tempo, winning duels, and providing a vocal presence in the heart of midfield. Sunderland’s young side needs exactly that.

There’s also excitement around the club’s broader summer window. Xhaka complements the arrivals of more dynamic, energetic players like Diarra and Talbi. This isn’t a one-off vanity signing – it’s part of a wider plan. Régis Le Bris has a vision, and Xhaka could be the glue that holds it together on the pitch.

Fans will rightly be cautious about the step up, but with Xhaka anchoring the midfield, there’s genuine belief that Sunderland can do more than just stay up. They can grow – and perhaps even thrive.