Premier League returnees Sunderland AFC have completed the signing of Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen, securing the experienced Swiss midfielder on a three-year deal worth £17.3 million.
The 32-year-old former Arsenal captain, who left the Emirates in 2023, now becomes the most high-profile signing in Sunderland’s summer rebuild. The club confirmed the move on Wednesday after days of speculation, having agreed personal terms earlier in the week.
“I’m very proud to be here,” Xhaka told the club’s official media. “When I spoke to the management, I could feel the energy and the mentality. It’s exactly what I was looking for. I’ve got a very good feeling about this move.”
The deal sees Sunderland pay an initial £13 million, with a further £4.3 million in performance-related add-ons. Xhaka, who made 33 Bundesliga appearances last season, was instrumental in Leverkusen’s double-winning campaign in 2024.
“We are back to where this club belongs,” he added. “And we want to stay here to write our own history.”
Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, the club’s chairman, was seen welcoming the midfielder at the airport, underlining the significance of the transfer. Xhaka is expected to bring leadership and composure to a youthful squad seeking Premier League survival.
Sunderland have now spent £114 million on new players this summer, including Simon Adingra, Enzo Le Fée, and Habib Diarra, in what is clearly a bold statement of ambition.
Commenting on the signing, Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson said: “Xhaka gives Sunderland a fighting chance. He’s still a top player. I’m surprised no other club grabbed him.”
Though his Arsenal spell was marked by controversy and a high-profile fallout with fans, Xhaka remained a regular under both Arsène Wenger and Mikel Arteta, eventually rebuilding his reputation before departing.
