Leverkusen midfielder set for medical after Sunderland bid accepted | OneFootball

Sunderland Make Bold Statement with Xhaka Capture from Leverkusen

So much for staying put. Granit Xhaka, the midfielder deemed too integral to lose by Bayer Leverkusen, is on his way back to English football, only this time, not with Arsenal. Sunderland, the newly promoted Premier League side, have agreed a deal worth up to £17 million to bring the 32-year-old back to these shores. The initial fee stands at £13 million, with an additional £4 million in performance-based add-ons, according to Sky Sports.

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Midfield reinvention begins with experience

In a window where Sunderland have already spent £107 million, the arrival of Xhaka signals more than just financial muscle. This is about control, tempo and know-how. Xhaka’s CV is heavy with appearances, 137 caps for Switzerland, 297 games for Arsenal, and a Bundesliga title with Leverkusen. For a team that once operated on Championship margins, this is a radical shift in tone.

The contract, a three-year deal, will keep Xhaka at the Stadium of Light well into his mid-thirties. It’s a bold play, and not without tension. Leverkusen manager Erik ten Hag had suggested Xhaka was not for sale: “Clearly, Granit is a leader… He’s too important for us to let go.” Yet, here we are.

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Tensions eased by Sunderland’s persistence

Sunderland’s hierarchy clearly felt otherwise. A week of negotiations, an increased offer, and personal terms swiftly agreed made the move inevitable. “I’ve always said that Granit is an important leader,” added Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes. Even so, sentiment did not stand in the way of business.

With Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong heading to Liverpool and Jonathan Tah now at Bayern, Leverkusen’s spine is hollowing. Xhaka’s departure marks the fourth pillar removed, but for Sunderland, it is the clearest sign yet that survival will not be approached passively.

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Granit Xhaka is not a prospect or a punt. He is a proven leader with top-level experience and a track record of dictating games in both the Premier League and Bundesliga. At 32, he arrives with plenty of fuel in the tank and the type of intelligence that simply cannot be taught.

The fact that Sunderland secured him for £13 million up front feels like good business in today’s market, especially when other clubs are gambling £30 million or more on players without a quarter of his pedigree.

There were concerns that Sunderand would enter the top flight tentatively, but this move puts those doubts to rest. Alongside their other summer signings, Xhaka brings balance. He’ll offer calm under pressure, positional discipline and, crucially, a standard for others to follow.

Sunderland are not here to make up the numbers. With signings like this, they are here to compete properly.