Date: July 28, 2025
Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka, 32, is set to make a sensational return to the Premier League by joining newly promoted Sunderland AFC from Bayer Leverkusen.
Deal Overview
- Transfer fee reported at around €20 million, including add‑ons (£13 million base plus £4 million potential bonuses).
- Contract length ranges between two to three years, depending on the report—some outlets mention a deal until 2027, others until 2028.
- All parties have formally agreed, and Xhaka is expected to fly to England to complete a medical in the coming days.
Context & Backstory
- Despite a clear stance from Bayer Leverkusen’s manager Erik ten Hag, who publicly stated that Xhaka is “too important” and that the club had already lost key players, the deal went ahead. Leverkusen’s sporting director Simon Rolfes also emphasized that Xhaka had three years left on his contract, underlining the fluid nature of the negotiations.
- Earlier frustrations included a significant gap between Sunderland’s bid (reported around £8.7 million) and Leverkusen’s higher valuation, causing uncertainty whether the transfer would go through at all.
Perspectives
- Xhaka’s agent, José Noguera, confirmed that personal terms with Sunderland had been agreed and reinforced Xhaka’s desire to return to England, stating: “Granit wants to return to the Premier League. Sunderland excites him”.
- Ten Hag initially resisted any further departures, noting the club had already sold three critical players and that losing Xhaka would negatively impact squad structure.
Player Profile & Impact
- Xhaka previously featured for Arsenal, making 225 Premier League appearances and scoring 17 goals with 24 assists from 2016–2023.
- During his time at Bayer Leverkusen, he achieved a historic Bundesliga and DFB‑Pokal double in the 2023–24 season.
- Internationally, he has earned 137 caps for Switzerland, serving as captain in major tournaments including Euro 2016, Euro 2020, Euro 2024 and the World Cups 2014, 2018, 2022, helping to set the record for appearances for his country.
- Known for his leadership, passing efficiency, and midfield intelligence, Sunderland head coach Régis Le Bris will count on Xhaka to bring top-flight experience to their squad.
What This Means
- Sunderland are seriously investing in ensuring survival in their first Premier League season in eight years, reportedly spending over £100 million on new signings this summer.
- Xhaka’s arrival is viewed as a key leadership and quality injection into the midfield, with his previous Premier League experience seen as invaluable for a newly promoted side.
- The transfer underscores Sunderland’s ambition and reflects a broader trend of high-experience signings to bolster squad stability.
Summary Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Player | Granit Xhaka (Switzerland, 32 years old) |
| From / To | Bayer Leverkusen → Sunderland AFC |
| Transfer Fee | ~€20 million (upfront + bonuses) |
| Contract Length | 2–3 years (until 2027 or 2028) |
| Premier League Appearances | 225 (with Arsenal), 17 goals, 24 assists |
| International Caps | 137 for Switzerland |
| Key Qualities | Leadership, midfield metronome, experience |
Let me know if you’d like additional details, such as his expected role at Sunderland, tactical fit, or fan reactions!