Granit Xhaka overlooked as Manchester United’s Senne Lammens wins Premier League Transfer of the Season | OneFootball

Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka has been overlooked for the Premier League’s official Transfer of the Season, with Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens taking the honour. The decision surprised many after Xhaka’s influential campaign on Wearside.

“Even the people closest to me were saying: 'Why are you going back to the Premier League to join Sunderland?’ I came back because I love the challenge and I had the feeling I need a new challenge.” He told BBC Sport earlier this year.

The Swiss international made 34 appearances in all competitions, scoring one goal and supplying six assists as Sunderland exceeded expectations in their first season back in the top flight and booked a Europa League place. His influence on and off the pitch was widely noted.

Xhaka had been shortlisted with Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Arsenal’s Premier League winner Viktor Gyokeres, Joao Pedro of Chelsea, Bournemouth defender Adrien Truffert and the Manchester City pair Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo.

Lammens kept eight clean sheets in 32 appearances in his debut campaign at Old Trafford, helping United return to the Champions League.

Source: Sunderland Echo