Former Gunner officially returns to the Premier League | OneFootball

Former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has returned to the Premier League, joining Sunderland on a three-year deal.

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Sunderland have confirmed the signing of Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen, announcing that the midfielder has signed a three-year contract to 2028.

“I’m very proud to be here,” Xhaka said. “When I spoke to the Club, I was excited and I felt the energy, and the mentality that all the people and players have. It’s exactly what I wanted, and I have a very good feeling.

“We are back to where this Club needs to be, and we want to stay here to write our own history. I feel that I’m ready to help the team with my experience but with quality as well.

“We need to find ourselves on the pitch, but I don’t think this will be a big problem. It’s been a long time to wait, but I’m here now and I’m looking forward to it.”

Photo via SAFC.com

Just as he did for Arsenal, Xhaka will wear the number 34 shirt for Sunderland. Reports suggest the fee is €20m (£17.4m), with Leverkusen giving the green light to the move on Monday.

The transfer is a bit embarrassing for Erik ten Hag, who had responded to comments by Xhaka’s agent by insisting the midfielder would be remaining at the club this summer.

“The agent of Xhaka can say whatever he wants, but this club has already let three important players go, and we won’t let any more go,” ten Hag said. “Granit is a leader, he still has three years left on his contract here.”

Leverkusen had already sold Odilon Kossounou to Atalanta, and Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong to Liverpool, netting the club almost €200m. Despite ten Hag’s protestations, they’ve now added another €20m with Xhaka’s move.

Photo via SAFC.com

David Ornstein had revealed that Xhaka had formally asked his club to let him go, allowing him to return to the Premier League after seven years in the division with Arsenal.

The 32-year-old won two FA Cups and two Community Shields with the Gunners, and he infamously captained the side for a little while. It looks like 2025/26 will bring his first competitive fixtures playing against his old club.