Granit Xhaka has made his return to the Premier League, signing with Sunderland, the club that recently climbed back into the top tier. Xhaka, who once served as captain for Arsenal, arrives at the Stadium of Light from Bayer Leverkusen, pledging his service for the next three years.
During his tenure at Arsenal, the 32-year-old midfielder contributed to the team’s capture of two FA Cup victories before taking his talents to Germany. There, he was instrumental in Bayer Leverkusen’s triumphant 2024 Bundesliga campaign, achieving a league and cup double. Now at Sunderland, Xhaka’s primary challenge will be steering the club clear of relegation battles.
Reflecting on his new journey, Xhaka expressed, “We have returned to where this club belongs, and our goal is to cement our place and make history. I’m prepared to bring my experience and quality to the team.” Xhaka also continues to lead the Swiss national team, boasting an impressive 137 appearances.
Sunderland’s sporting director, Kristjaan Speakman, highlighted Xhaka’s recruitment as a testament to the club’s ambition. “His signing underscores our commitment to assembling a Premier League-caliber squad that our fans can admire,” Speakman remarked. “Granit’s achievements and football skill speak for themselves – he’s a top-tier player both in performance and leadership.”