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21 hours ago
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Newly-promoted Sunderland have officially announced the signing of former Arsenal captain and Switzerland international Granit Xhaka from German champions Bayer Leverkusen.
Sunderland AFC is delighted to announce the signing of Granit Xhaka, who joins on a three-year deal from Bayer 04 Leverkusen! ❤️✍️
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) July 30, 2025The move represents a colossal statement of intent from the Black Cats as they prepare for their return to the Premier League.
Xhaka, 32, arrives at the Stadium of Light on a three-year contract, with the transfer fee reportedly in the region of £13 million upfront, potentially rising to £17 million with add-ons.
The acquisition of a player of Xhaka's calibre and experience marks a significant coup for Sunderland and their manager Régis Le Bris.
His return to the Premier League comes just two years after leaving Arsenal for Bayer Leverkusen, where he enjoyed a remarkable period, helping Xabi Alonso's side to an historic invincible Bundesliga title in 2024 and a DFB-Pokal trophy.
Xhaka was an ever-present figure in Leverkusen's midfield, making 49 appearances across all competitions last season and finishing 16th in the 2024 Ballon d'Or voting, a testament to his exceptional form.
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Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman expressed his delight at the signing, stating, "His arrival is a significant endorsement of our ambition and our desire to build a team our supporters can be proud of in the Premier League.
"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."
For Xhaka, the move offers a return to familiar territory, having spent seven years at Arsenal where he made 225 Premier League appearances and won two FA Cups.
Speaking upon his arrival, the Swiss captain (who holds 137 caps for his country) conveyed his excitement. "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 primary task on Wearside will undoubtedly be to provide the midfield steel, leadership, and experience that a newly-promoted side desperately needs to establish itself in the Premier League.
Xhaka is renowned for his precise passing range, ability to dictate tempo from deep, and his combative nature, all qualities that will be invaluable for Sunderland.
The signing of Xhaka is the latest in a busy summer of recruitment for Sunderland, who have also brought in promising talents like Enzo Le Fee, Habib Diarra, Noah Sadiki, and Robin Roefs in goal.
It signals a clear and ambitious strategy from owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and the club's hierarchy to not just survive, but to truly compete upon their return to the top flight.
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