Granit Xhaka explains why he signed for Sunderland | OneFootball

Granit Xhaka says joining Sunderland is the “biggest challenge” of his career, as he returns to the Premier League after two years in Germany with Bayer Leverkusen.

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The 32‑year‑old midfielder, who made 297 appearances for Arsenal before leaving in 2023, signed for Sunderland in a £13 million deal that could rise by a further £4 million.

For Xhaka, the move is about creating history. “It’s a different type of pressure for sure,” he said. “For myself, for the club but also for the teammates. I have a good feeling, I am seeing where we can make a big change and I want to be a part of that. To write our own history.”

‘Writing history’ is something he has mentioned in other interviews, too. “I’m very proud to be here,” Xhaka said on his arrival.

“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.”

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Xhaka arrives as one of the most experienced players in the Sunderland squad, having won the FA Cup twice with Arsenal and 23/24’s Bundesliga and DFB‑Pokal double with Leverkusen.

He said his Premier League knowledge will be key: “I was in the UK for seven years before and I know the mentality. I know the league and what you can expect from me is a lot of experience from different types of European football.

“In a team, you need a good balance with young players and experienced players. I am still not finished, I am hungry to achieve many things.”

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That hunger has already impressed the Black Cat’s hierarchy, who see Xhaka as a player to guide a squad built largely on youth. Sunderland boss Regis le Bris added: “First of all, it’s a massive statement about the attractiveness of the club. If a player of that dimension, says yes to our project, it means something.

“He brings many things for the balance of the squad. He’s a captain, a leader, has strong experience in the Premier League and the national team. We’re really happy.”

Xhaka himself is clear about the task ahead: “This may be the biggest challenge of my career so far. But I took it and I want to show that day‑by‑day and on the pitch as well. I am sure this team will give everything on the pitch. From the first whistle ‘til the end.

“Whatever happens, we need the support of the club from the fans but we will give everything and hopefully we can achieve our goals.”

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Former Sunderland defender Phil Bardsley believes Xhaka’s experience can be pivotal. “He’s got a bit of character to him, that’s always key in the Premier League,” said Bardsley.

“He’s quite colourful, he knows how to put his foot in, score goals and get around the pitch. He’s been there and done it in the Premier League. He’s a good fit.” Xhaka’s passing range is also exceptional and he is a far better player than many pundits would have you believe.

For Xhaka, who rebuilt his reputation at Arsenal after losing the captaincy in 2019 and went on to become a fan favourite under Mikel Arteta, the move to Wearside is about proving himself as a leader: a seasoned professional stepping into a newly promoted team and embracing one more major challenge.