Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports

Granit Xhaka Sunderland Move: A 32-Year-Old’s Return to the Premier League Sparks Buzz

Granit Xhaka’s Transfer to Sunderland: How a 32-Year-Old Veteran Could Revitalize the Black Cats in the Premier League

Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports

Swiss International Granit Xhaka is making a return to the Premier League joining newly promoted side Sunderland. Making the move from Bayer Leverkusen at the age of 32, the midfielder displays resilience at the highest level. Xhaka will join Sunderland at a fee of around €20 million with a contract that runs till 2027.

Xhaka joined Bayer Leverkusen from Arsenal in 2023. Having a seven-year career with the Gunners’, Xhaka will return to the English top flight. Sunderland who have been active on recruitment ahead of the campaign bring Xhaka to add the temperament and experience required.

🚨💰 Sunderland have spent over €130M this summer:

✅🇸🇳 Diarra (€31.5M)
✅🇫🇷 Le Fée (€23M)
✅🇲🇦 Talbi (€23M)
✅🇨🇮 Adingra (€21M)
✅🇨🇩 Sadiki (€17M)
✅🇲🇿 Reinildo (free)
⏳🇨🇭 Xhaka (€20M) pic.twitter.com/R6Z1yoVeZ0
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) July 28, 2025

Tactical Fit: How Xhaka Complements Sunderland’s Strategy

Xhaka, who is due in the UK shortly for a medical, has been allowed to travel and undergo the necessary checks at Sunderland. This move represents a “huge boost” for the club, especially as they aim to integrate a player of Xhaka’s calibre, who has been playing at the highest level over the past two seasons at Bayer Leverkusen.

Considering the business Sunderland has conducted this summer, there is optimism. Sky Sports reporter in his analysis marked the positivity as he stated:

“Perhaps they are going to thrive in the Premier League next season,” speculated industry insiders, pointing to the potential impact of Xhaka’s experience and skill on the team’s performance.

As the transfer nears completion, Sunderland fans are watching closely, hopeful that this signing will indeed mark the beginning of a new era for the club in the Premier League. With Sunderland having already secured the services of players like Enzo Le Fee, Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki, Xhaka’s arrival could provide the experienced backbone needed to navigate the challenges of top-flight football.

Xhaka started all 33 games he played for Leverkusen in the Bundesliga 2024/25 season. Being one of the most consistent and efficient players, Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris identified the defensive midfielder for his mentality and conditioned gameplay. As the official announcements are still pending, Xhaka will be expected to join the preseason during the week.

Bayer Leverkusen

Granit Xhaka

Sunderland

Transfer News

Mayur Dedwal

soccer

I’m a Sports Content Writer with expertise in football. Being a decade old football enthusiast and part-time coach, I try to bring to life to the articles in a statistical manner. Being around all kinds of sports updates and able to put in my perspective’s to the happenings in the world of football are few of the many things i like in doing what i do. You can find me playing Sunday leagues or Xbox on weekends!