Sunderland Agrees €20m Deal for Granit Xhaka from Leverkusen

Sunderland have agreed a transfer deal worth up to €20 million (£13.4m; $23.3m) with Bayer Leverkusen for the signing of Granit Xhaka, with an initial payment of €15 million plus potential add-ons. The 32-year-old Swiss midfielder, who previously spent seven years at Arsenal and helped Leverkusen secure their first Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal titles, has agreed personal terms and is expected to sign a three-year contract with Sunderland until 2027. This move marks a significant acquisition for the newly-promoted Premier League club as they bolster their midfield with experienced players amid a busy transfer window. Despite initial resistance from Leverkusen's head coach Erik ten Hag, who emphasized Xhaka's importance to the squad, the clubs reached an agreement after Sunderland increased their offer. Sunderland are preparing for their Premier League return with other signings including Habib Diarra, Noah Sadiki, Simon Adringa, Chemsdine Talbi, Reinildo Mandava, and Enzo Le Fe, while also selling players such as Jobe Bellingham. Xhaka's arrival is expected to add leadership and stability to Sunderland's midfield as they prepare for their season opener against West Ham United on August 16.