Sunderland have struck a deal to sign experienced Swiss international Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen for an initial fee of £13 million, with an additional £4 million in performance-related add-ons.
The 32-year-old midfielder is expected to undergo a medical in the coming days before finalising a three-year contract with the newly promoted Premier League side.
Xhaka returns to English football two years after leaving Arsenal, where he made 297 appearances across all competitions.
During his seven-year stint at the Emirates, he lifted two FA Cup trophies and captained the Gunners briefly, becoming a divisive but ultimately respected figure among fans.
He joined Leverkusen in 2023 and played a key role in helping the club win its first-ever Bundesliga title in 2024.
The arrival of former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag at Bayer Leverkusen has prompted Xhaka’s exit, despite him being a regular starter under former boss Xabi Alonso.
Sunderland have moved swiftly to capitalize, adding veteran leadership and midfield steel as they prepare for life back in the Premier League.
Xhaka becomes Sunderland’s eighth summer signing, joining a busy window that has already seen the arrivals of Enzo Le Fée, Habib Diarra, Noah Sadiki, Reinildo Mandava, Chemsdine Talbi, and Simon Adingra.
The Black Cats’ total spending has now reached £114 million, making them one of the top spenders in the division this summer.
Despite the heavy investment, Sunderland have also balanced the books to some extent, recouping around £37 million through the sales of promising talents Jobe Bellingham and Tommy Watson.
Their aggressive transfer strategy reflects their ambition to not just survive but compete in the Premier League after winning promotion via the play-offs against Sheffield United in May.
Only the traditional “big six” clubs have outspent Sunderland in this transfer window, underlining the club’s intent to re-establish itself at the top level.
The addition of Xhaka brings not only experience but a winning mentality to a squad blending youthful talent with proven professionals as the new season approaches.
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