Sunderland plot ambitious move as Leverkusen midfielder eyes exit | OneFootball

Sunderland Explore Xhaka Deal as Premier League Preparations Intensify

Sunderland enquire over Bundesliga winner

Sunderland are exploring a potential move for Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka, with discussions ongoing around the possibility of bringing the Swiss international back to English football. As reported by Sky Sports, the club are interested in adding leadership and top-level experience to their squad ahead of their Premier League return.

Xhaka, now 32, still has three years remaining on his contract at Leverkusen but could be allowed to leave this summer. Sunderland would face competition from Saudi Arabian clubs for the former Arsenal captain’s signature.

Photo: IMAGO

Profile fits Sunderland’s new direction

Manager Regis Le Bris is overseeing a shift in recruitment, balancing youth with proven experience. Xhaka, who has earned 137 caps for Switzerland, would provide both steel and structure to a midfield already reinforced by the arrival of Enzo Le Fee, Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki.

Photo: IMAGO

“Sunderland are interested in signing the 32-year-old Bundesliga winner to spearhead their Premier League return,” Sky Sports stated. The move signals intent from a club determined not just to survive in the top flight but to establish a foundation for growth.

Xhaka’s recent pedigree adds weight

Xhaka joined Leverkusen from Arsenal in 2023 and was instrumental in their Bundesliga title win in his debut season. He played 49 times last season, including all 10 of their Champions League matches, as Leverkusen finished second.

Photo IMAGO

With nearly 300 Arsenal appearances and two FA Cup wins, Xhaka’s Premier League pedigree is well established. Sunderland view him as a natural on-field leader and mentor to the club’s emerging talents.

Squad rebuild continues post-Bellingham sale

Following Jobe Bellingham’s £32 million move to Borussia Dortmund, Sunderland have reinvested smartly. The additions of Simon Adingra, Chemsdine Talbi and others have provided depth, but a player like Xhaka could elevate the entire squad dynamic.

Photo IMAGO

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Granit Xhaka to Sunderland? That is a statement. Not just of ambition, but of belief that they belong back at the top table.

We have seen Sunderland grow strategically over the past few seasons, and the way they reinvested the Bellingham fee has already turned heads. But this would be different. Xhaka is a proven winner, a leader who has played at the highest level. To bring in someone of his calibre, especially when they are fighting off interest from Saudi Arabia, would be monumental.

Some fans might raise eyebrows at his age or his temper, but those who have followed his career know what he offers. He was vital to Leverkusen’s title-winning season and still has plenty to give. You cannot teach experience like that, and if you want a young squad to thrive, putting a figure like Xhaka in the middle of it makes total sense.

Whether it happens or not, the fact they are even in the mix tells you how far this club has come.