Sunderland signs Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen
Sunderland continued to rebuild its squad ahead of its long-awaited Premier League return, with Granit Xhaka their latest addition.
Sunderland completed the signing of midfielder Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth a reported £17.3m (€20m).
The 32 year-old signed a three-year contract on Wearside, bringing invaluable Premier League experience and leadership to the newly promoted Black Cats.
Xhaka, who previously captained Arsenal, joined Bayer Leverkusen in 2023.
He played an integral role in Leverkusen's success under Xabi Alonso in 2023-2024, as it went unbeaten domestically and won the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double.
Sunderland is said to have paid an initial fee in the region of £13m, plus potential add-ons reaching £4.3m, to secure the services of the Switzerland international.
Xhaka is the fourth new midfielder to put pen to paper at the Stadium of Light after of Enzo Le Fee, Habib Diarra, and Noah Sadiki earlier in the window.
"I'm very proud to be here," Xhaka said. "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. We are back to where this club needs to be, and we want to stay here to write our own history.
"I feel that I'm ready to help the team with my experience, but with quality as well.
"We need to find ourselves on the pitch, but I don't think this will be a big problem. It's been a long time to wait, but I'm here now, and I'm looking forward to it."
Sunderland begins its Premier League campaign against West Ham at the Stadium of Light on 16 August.
Xhaka could make his debut for the club in a friendly against Real Betis on Sunday.
