Sunderland have agreed a £17 million deal for Granit Xhaka.
Premier League returnees Sunderland have sealed a surprise deal with Bayer Leverkusen for former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka.
Sky Sports News reports that Sunderland will pay an initial £13 million, with the deal potentially rising to £17 million through performance-based add-ons. The 32-year-old is set to sign a three-year contract after personal terms were agreed last week.
Xhaka has been cleared to travel to the UK for his medical ahead of completing the move.
The Swiss international made 33 Bundesliga appearances for Leverkusen last season, scoring two goals and providing seven assists. Before his time in Germany, he made 297 appearances for Arsenal, netting 23 goals and delivering 26 assists.
His arrival offers leadership and depth in midfield for Sunderland, who are back in the top flight and eager to solidify their squad.
Leverkusen manager Erik ten Hag had strongly opposed Xhaka’s departure, citing recent key exits including Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong to Liverpool, and Jonathan Tah to Bayern Munich.
“This club has already sold three important players,” Ten Hag said.
“We won’t let go of any more players; that’s not possible. That would neglect the structure and culture of the squad.”
Sporting director Simon Rolfes echoed the sentiment:
“I’ve always said that Granit is an important leader. The coach and I have a very similar perspective.”
Sunderland’s move for Xhaka brings their summer spending to £107 million, with six new signings already through the door.
The Black Cats’ ambition is clear—they’re not just looking to survive in the Premier League, they want to compete.
Granit Xhaka’s move adds serious experience to Sunderland’s midfield as they gear up for Premier League action. Despite resistance from Leverkusen, the Black Cats pulled off a big signing, further proving they mean business this season.
