Granit Xhaka is back in the Premier League—and not with a top-six giant, but with a club hungry to shake things up. Sunderland have pulled off one of the most surprising transfers of the summer, signing the Swiss midfield general from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth €20 million (£17 million). He’s signed on until 2028, with whispers of a possible extension to 2029 if things go well A.
After helping Leverkusen win the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal, Xhaka’s return to England feels like unfinished business. He’s not just bringing experience—he’s bringing bite, leadership, and a passing game that’s still among the best in Europe. Last season, he ranked second in final-third passes across Europe’s top leagues and boasted a 90% pass accuracy B. That’s not just good—it’s elite.
Sunderland, newly promoted and already splashing cash, clearly see Xhaka as the heartbeat of their survival campaign. He’ll join a midfield that includes rising stars like Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki, but it’s Xhaka who’ll set the tempo. Expect him to be the metronome, the enforcer, and the voice in the dressing room.
Fans are buzzing. Some call it a gamble—he’s 32, after all—but others see it as a masterstroke. Betting markets are already reacting, with odds shifting around Sunderland’s midfield dominance and Xhaka’s disciplinary record (yellow cards incoming?). And don’t be surprised if he bangs in a long-range screamer or two.
This isn’t just a transfer—it’s a statement. Sunderland aren’t here to make up the numbers. With Xhaka in the engine room, they’re here to compete.