Granit Xhaka Completes €20 Million Transfer to Sunderland from Bayer Leverkusen

Sunderland have secured the signing of Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth around €20 million (£17-17.5 million), including performance-based add-ons, with Xhaka signing a three-year contract until 2027 or 2028. The 32-year-old, who previously spent seven years at Arsenal and helped Leverkusen win the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double in 2023-24, chose Sunderland over other offers from Saudi and Italian clubs due to his desire to return to the Premier League. His move ended after some tension with Leverkusen's new manager Erik ten Hag, whose delayed communication reportedly upset Xhaka, prompting his decision to leave. Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris views Xhaka as a vital addition for their Premier League campaign, bringing leadership, experience, and composure to the newly promoted club. This signing highlights Sunderland's ambition, joining other high-profile summer acquisitions, as they prepare to face West Ham in their Premier League opener on August 16. Leverkusen now face the challenge of finding a replacement for Xhaka with the season approaching and limited time in the transfer market.