Jul 20, 2022; Orlando, FL, USA; Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka (34) looks to pass against Orlando City in the second half at Exploria Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

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Sunderland Secure €20m Deal to Sign Granit Xhaka from Leverkusen

Just last week, Leverkusen manager Erik ten Hag had ruled out selling Granit Xhaka, insisting that the midfielder was central to his plans.

Jul 20, 2022; Orlando, FL, USA; Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka (34) looks to pass against Orlando City in the second half at Exploria Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Sunderland have made a major statement in the transfer market after they agreed a deal worth €20 million to sign Swiss international Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen. The newly-promoted side will pay an initial €15m (£13m) up front, with an additional €5m (£4.3m) in performance-related add-ons to meet Leverkusen’s valuation.

Xhaka has already verbally agreed to the move and will sign a three-year contract once he passes his medical. Personal terms were finalised last week and the 32-year-old midfielder has now been granted permission to travel to the UK to complete his move to the Stadium of Light.

🚨🔴⚪️ EXCLUSIVE: Granit Xhaka to Sunderland, here we go! Deal agreed between all parties involved.

Understand fee will be €20m, contract until 2027.

Green light from Bayer Leverkusen for the player to fly today and complete his move to #SAFC, one more ambitious signing. pic.twitter.com/1gP1IBLD0T
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 28, 2025

Xhaka Makes Premier League Return Despite Erik ten Hag’s Plea

Just last week, Leverkusen manager Erik ten Hag had ruled out selling Granit Xhaka, insisting that the midfielder was central to his plans. However, the breakthrough came after Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes issued Sunderland an ultimatum to finalise the deal by the end of the week or talks would be off for the summer.

Xhaka’s departure follows a summer exodus from Leverkusen, with stars like Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong already sealing moves to Liverpool. Meanwhile, defender Jonathan Tah also left the German team to join Bayern Munich on a free transfer. Notably, Rolfes wanted enough time to bring in replacements ahead of the start of the upcoming Bundesliga season.

Xhaka brings a wealth of experience to Sunderland, having earned 137 international caps for Switzerland and previously making 225 Premier League appearances for Arsenal. He scored 17 goals and provided 24 assists for the Gunners during his stay in North London.

Xhaka joined Leverkusen from Arsenal in 2023, returning to Germany after a seven-year stint with the Gunners. In his debut season, he played a pivotal role as Leverkusen won the Bundesliga title without losing a game, secured the German Cup, and reached the Europa League final, which they lost to Atalanta.

Sunderland’s hierarchy raised their offer by £7m to secure the deal, with manager Regis Le Bris keen to inject leadership and top-flight experience into the squad. Xhaka’s return to English football marks a significant coup for Sunderland as they aim to push for promotion, with the Swiss veteran expected to play a pivotal role in anchoring their midfield this season.

Bayer Leverkusen

Erik Ten Hag

Granit Xhaka

Premier League

Premier League 2025-26

Sunderland

Abhinav Goel

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I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.