Sunderland ‘On the Verge’ of Signing Former Arsenal Midfielder | OneFootball

Granit Xhaka Poised for Premier League Return with Sunderland

Xhaka Nearing Move to Wearside

In one of the most intriguing moves of the transfer window, Sky Sports has reported that “Sunderland are on the verge of striking an agreement with Bayer Leverkusen for the signing of Granit Xhaka.” The deal would bring the Swiss international back to the Premier League, not to Arsenal or a traditional top-six side, but to newly-promoted Sunderland.

The clubs are said to be in advanced talks, and crucially, personal terms are already agreed. Xhaka’s agent, Jose Noguera, confirmed to Sky in Germany, “We’ve reached an agreement in principle with Sunderland. Granit wants to return to the Premier League. Sunderland excites him, he wants to take on this challenge. We hope Leverkusen will respect his wish to leave and that the clubs will find an agreement soon.”

This move signals Sunderland’s intent to be far more than survival-focused. It is a bold step, and in Xhaka, they would gain a player with leadership, bite and top-level experience.

Photo IMAGO

Statement Signing for Sunderland

To say Xhaka would be a coup for Sunderland is putting it mildly. Still only 31, he remains a combative, progressive midfielder with vast Premier League and Bundesliga experience. His spell at Leverkusen has seen him mature even further, contributing to their title-winning season and playing under the tutelage of Xabi Alonso, who sharpened Xhaka’s tactical awareness.

For Sunderland, a club steeped in history and fan expectation, this is a signing that announces they are back in the top flight with purpose. Xhaka would bring not just ability but a mentality that raises standards in the dressing room and on the pitch.

Familiar Territory with Unfinished Business

Xhaka’s Premier League career with Arsenal was often a tale of extremes. There were moments of brilliance, dictating play from deep and striking from distance, alongside disciplinary issues that made headlines. Yet his final seasons in North London were his most consistent, where he became a crucial figure under Mikel Arteta before heading to Germany.

Returning now with Sunderland feels like an experienced player with something still to prove. The Premier League remains one of the most demanding stages, and Xhaka appears hungry for another crack at it. That he is reportedly excited by Sunderland, as Noguera claimed, speaks volumes about the ambition surrounding the club’s project.

Photo: IMAGO

Club Culture and Midfield Reinforcement

Sunderland’s return to the Premier League has been built on youth, intensity and structure. But promotion brings exposure and vulnerability. They need seasoned professionals who can manage the rhythm of elite football. Xhaka fits that profile perfectly.

In high-pressure games, against possession-heavy sides, or when the tempo must be controlled, he is the type of player who brings balance. His leadership, especially with a young squad around him, would prove invaluable in long campaigns where character becomes as vital as talent.

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For Sunderland supporters, this potential deal is exciting beyond the usual metrics. Xhaka is not just a name. He is a personality, a presence and someone who immediately changes how opponents prepare to face us. This is not a gamble, it is ambition paired with logic.

Some will point to past controversies or cards, but this is a player who captained his country at major tournaments, led Arsenal through a rebuild and has just helped win a Bundesliga title. If anything, his fire is what Sunderland need. He won’t be fazed by Old Trafford or Anfield. He will rise to it, and that sets an example.

The biggest compliment is this: if this were a signing for Everton or West Ham, it would be hailed as clever and shrewd. The fact he could be wearing red and white at the Stadium of Light shows we are not just here to compete, we are here to belong.