Sunderland target Granit Xhaka in €10M Premier League return

 Newly promoted Sunderland have made a bold move to bring former Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka back to the Premier League, with the Black Cats in active negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen over a €10 million transfer deal. The Swiss international midfielder has been offered a three-year contract as Sunderland look to strengthen their squad ahead of their top-flight return.

According to reports from Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus is personally involved in discussions with the German champions. The 32-year-old would provide Premier League experience for a side that secured promotion through the Championship play-offs last season.

 

The former captain of Arsenal Granit Xhaka

Transfer Battle Intensifies

Sunderland face competition from Saudi Arabian club Neom SC, who have also offered Xhaka a three-year deal with reportedly higher wages. The Saudi side, managed by Christophe Galtier, has already secured former Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette and are pushing to reunite the ex-teammates.

Inside Futbol reports that Xhaka has "three years left on his Bayer Leverkusen contract so would want the same time period" in any new deal. The midfielder played a key role in Leverkusen's historic unbeaten Bundesliga title-winning campaign in 2023-24 under Xabi Alonso.

Filling the Bellingham Void

 The pursuit of Xhaka represents Sunderland's response to losing rising star Jobe Bellingham to Borussia Dortmund in a record €33 million deal. The 19-year-old midfielder was instrumental in Sunderland's promotion campaign and his departure has left a void in the engine room.

Sunderland have already been active in the transfer market, bringing in Habib Diarra, Chemsdine Talbi, Reinildo, Noah Sadiki and Simon Adingra to bolster their squad. The potential addition of Xhaka would represent their most high-profile signing and demonstrate their ambition to establish themselves in the Premier League.

 

 Premier League Veteran

Xhaka brings extensive top-flight experience, having made 297 appearances for Arsenal across seven seasons before joining Leverkusen in 2023. The Metro notes that "Xhaka has spent two seasons at the German club and helped them win the Bundesliga under Xabi Alonso".

His combative style and leadership qualities made him a polarizing but ultimately respected figure during his Arsenal tenure. At Leverkusen, he has continued to demonstrate his ability to perform at the highest level, contributing to one of the most successful seasons in the club's history.

The outcome of Sunderland's pursuit could define their Premier League ambitions, with the club seeking proven quality to navigate the challenges of top-flight football.