Granit Xhaka joins Sunderland in major summer move from Bayer Leverkusen | OneFootball

Granit Xhaka Signs for Sunderland in Landmark Transfer

In a move that pulses with symbolism and intent, Sunderland have announced the signing of Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen on a three-year deal. At 32, Xhaka’s journey through Europe’s elite tiers—Switzerland, Germany, England, and back again—has brought him full circle to English football. But this time, Wearside awaits.

Veteran Leadership Arrives on Wearside

For Sunderland, newly promoted to the Premier League, Xhaka represents far more than just experience. His 2023/24 campaign with Leverkusen—where he featured 49 times in all competitions, helped secure a historic Bundesliga title and hoisted the DFB-Pokal—was a portrait of consistency and control. His 10 Champions League appearances last season added further gravitas to a season that defined his rebirth in Germany.

Photo IMAGO

Yet it’s his familiarity with English football that gives this move its sharpest edge. Seven seasons at Arsenal yielded 225 Premier League appearances, two FA Cups, and countless moments that painted him both as a lightning rod and a leader.

Ambition Matching Experience

Speaking to the club’s website, Xhaka gave a glimpse of his mindset:“I’m very proud to be here. When I spoke to the club, I was excited and I felt the energy, and the mentality that all the people and players have. It’s exactly what I wanted, and I have a very good feeling.”

His words underline a key message: this isn’t a retirement tour. Sunderland are not simply collecting names—they’re sculpting an identity.

“We are back to where this club needs to be, and we want to stay here to write our own history,” he added.“I feel that I’m ready to help the team with my experience but with quality as well.”

Xhaka’s presence offers Sunderland a foundation—tactical clarity, emotional resilience, and an unwavering sense of direction. It’s no coincidence he captains Switzerland and has made more appearances for his country (137 caps) than any other player.

Sunderland’s Statement Summer

Kristjaan Speakman, Sunderland’s sporting director, called the deal a “significant endorsement” of the club’s ambition:“His accomplishments and quality need little introduction – he’s a player of the highest calibre on and off the field, who we feel is the perfect match to the profile required in our team.”

Xhaka joins a cluster of signings as Sunderland build a squad capable of surviving—and perhaps thriving—in the top flight. Enzo Le Fée, Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki reinforce the midfield, while Simon Adingra and Chemsdine Talbi add pace and invention out wide. Reinildo Mandava strengthens the back line, and goalkeeper Robin Roefs is poised to arrive following a solid season with NEC Nijmegen.