Granit Xhaka is on the verge of completing a Premier League return as Sunderland edge closer to completing his signing from Bayer Leverkusen. The Black Cats have agreed to pay £17 million for the experienced midfielder: £13m upfront with £4m in potential add-ons.
The 32-year-old touched down in England on Monday, with personal terms already agreed. A medical is scheduled for the early hours of Tuesday, after which Xhaka is expected to sign a three-year contract with Régis Le Bris’s newly promoted side.
Transfer expert and sports journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed the development via his official X account, posting a photo of Xhaka alongside his agent José Noguera and brother Ragip Xhaka.
He revealed this via his post:
“Granit Xhaka has landed right now as he’s joining Sunderland!
“Three year contract to be signed on Tuesday after medical. Here his agent José Noguera, Ragip Xhaka and Granit Xhaka.”
Xhaka’s departure is a blow for Leverkusen boss Erik ten Hag, who had already seen key players like Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Jonathan Tah leave this summer. Xhaka was a key figure in Leverkusen’s historic double-winning campaign and played an instrumental role in their run to the Europa League final in 2024.
Softfootball earlier reported that Xhaka’s Swiss international teammate, Dan Ndoye, is also set to join Nottingham Forest, with an official announcement expected soon, and with Xhaka also in England, it’s easy to say the Saints have got their hands on a reliable midfielder.
Having previously spent seven seasons with Arsenal, winning two FA Cups and making 297 appearances, Xhaka had long expressed interest in returning to England. Sunderland, keen to inject experience into their midfield, had also explored the option of Jordan Henderson before he opted for Brentford.
Xhaka becomes Sunderland’s seventh summer signing, joining Habib Diarra, Simon Adingra, Reinildo Mandava, Enzo Le Fée, Noah Sadiki, and Chemsdine Talbi. Of the group, only Adingra has previous Premier League experience.
