Granit Xhaka returned to the Premier League after completing his move from Bayer Leverkusen to Sunderland. Softfootball reported how the midfielder retuned to the Premier League after good business between Leverkusen and Sunderland.
Xhaka made his name in the Premier League while playing for the Arsenal between 2016 and 2023. He was captain of the side under Unai Emery but did not last long after conflict between him and Arsenal fans in the Emirates.
After free transfer to Leverkusen where he won the Bundesliga and German Cup, the midfielder is now leading the Black Cats in their sojourn in the Premier League for the 25/26 season. Sunderland had got promoted through the Championship playoffs which they won.
Xhaka took to the pitch when Sunderland hosted Real Betis in a preseason game. This was the first time the Black Cats were taking to the pitch since getting promoted to the topflight. Xhaka was the captain of the side on the day.
Sunderland fell 1-0 in front of their home crowd courtesy of an Aitor Ruibal goal in the 74th minute. Xhaka was not the only Black Cats debutant as Robin Roefs, Simon Adingra and Reinildo Mandava were also handed their first starts.
Sunderland’s latest pre-season clash with Real Betis is now available to watch on Sunderland AFC’s verified YouTube channel.
Watch the highlight below:
Sunderland had expressed excitement about the Bundesliga champion making his debut as they posted on their verified X handle.
Watch as Xhaka arrived for the game in Sunderland below:
The midfielder played all 90 minutes and could have had his first assist in his new colours as he played in Simon Adingra in the second half but his goal was ruled out for offside.
The Swiss international will have a lot of work to do as and will be needing all the experience he has to lead the team this season as they look to survive the drop in the Premier League. Sunderland spent £17.3m on Xhaka to take their total spend this summer to over £100m.
Sunderland’s Premier League preparations continue when they face Augsburg and Rayo Vallecano in back-to-back games on Saturday and Sunday next weekend.
