Former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka is on the verge of making a surprise return to the Premier League, just two years after leaving English football for Germany.
The 32-year-old Swiss international has reportedly agreed to join Sunderland, with personal terms already settled between the player and the Championship side.
Softfootball earlier reported Sunderland identified Xhaka as a valuable addition to the team, and now discussions between the two clubs are now centred around finalising the paperwork.
A transfer fee of around £8.7 million is expected to seal the deal. The midfielder still has three years left on his current contract with the Bundesliga champions.
Jose Noguera, Xhaka’s agent, confirmed the development in a conversation with Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, which he revealed via his official X handle:
He Said:
“We’ve reached an agreement in principle with Sunderland. Granit wants to return to the Premier League. Sunderland excites him – he wants to take on this challenge. We hope Leverkusen will respect his wish to leave and that the clubs will find an agreement soon.”
Xhaka’s potential arrival would mark a significant statement of intent by Sunderland. Despite operating outside the Premier League, the club has been one of the most active in the transfer market this summer.
Having sold Jobe Bellingham to Borussia Dortmund for £32 million, the Black Cats have reinvested heavily, bringing in Simon Adingra, Enzo Le Fée, Noah Sadiki, Habib Diarra, and Chemsdine Talbi in a flurry of deals worth over £100 million.
However, Xhaka’s experience at the highest level sets him apart. During his time at Arsenal, he made 225 Premier League appearances, scoring 17 goals and contributing 24 assists. He lifted two FA Cups and, despite facing challenges including being stripped of the captaincy remained a key figure under both Arsène Wenger and Mikel Arteta.
Since moving to Leverkusen, Xhaka has featured in 66 games, playing an instrumental role in the club’s Bundesliga title win and their Champions League campaign. Only Bayern’s Joshua Kimmich completed more open play and final-third passes in the German top flight last season.
A move to Sunderland may seem unconventional for a player of his calibre, but Xhaka’s leadership and big-game pedigree could provide the stability and steel that new manager Régis Le Bris is looking for.
If the deal is completed, Sunderland will not just be signing a midfielder; they’ll be bringing in one of Europe’s most battle-tested professionals.
