Granit Xhaka Set to Join Sunderland in Stunning €20M Transfer from Bayer Leverkusen
By [Your Name] | July 15, 2025
In one of the most dramatic and unexpected moves of the summer transfer window, Sunderland AFC have reached a full agreement with Bayer Leverkusen to sign Swiss midfield general Granit Xhaka for a reported fee of €20 million. The veteran midfielder is set to sign a three-year contract that will keep him at the Stadium of Light until June 2028.
The deal, first broken by top-tier transfer sources, has sent shockwaves across European football, as Sunderland, recently promoted back to the Premier League, make a massive statement of intent ahead of the 2025–26 campaign. Xhaka is expected to fly to England today to complete his medical and join the Black Cats’ pre-season preparations without delay.
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A Stunning Coup for Sunderland
Xhaka’s signing marks a new era at Sunderland. After years of rebuilding in the Championship, the club has not only returned to the Premier League but is now making headlines with marquee signings. In Xhaka, Sunderland are not just acquiring experience—they’re bringing in a leader, a warrior, and a seasoned European campaigner.
At 32, Xhaka arrives with a wealth of experience. A mainstay of the Switzerland national team, he boasts over 120 international caps, has captained his country, and remains a key figure in their midfield. At the club level, he has spent the last two seasons at Bayer Leverkusen, playing a central role in their Bundesliga and Europa League campaigns under Xabi Alonso.
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From Bundesliga to the Black Cats: Why Xhaka Chose Sunderland
While Xhaka had a strong campaign with Leverkusen, featuring regularly and even donning the captain’s armband on occasion, his decision to leave Germany caught many off guard. However, sources close to the player say that he was convinced by Sunderland’s project, the Premier League challenge, and the leadership of manager Tony Mowbray, who reportedly played a key role in securing his commitment.
“Granit wants to be part of something ambitious,” a close source stated. “He’s had offers from other top-flight clubs in Italy and Germany, but Sunderland presented a unique combination of competitive challenge and personal respect.”
It is understood that Mowbray spoke personally to Xhaka several times in recent weeks, outlining the midfielder’s expected role—not just on the pitch but as a mentor in a young and energetic squad.
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Leadership, Steel, and Experience
Xhaka’s style is well known: combative, commanding, and tactically intelligent. He is expected to bring immediate structure to Sunderland’s midfield, allowing younger players like Jobe Bellingham and Dan Neil to play with more freedom.
During his time at Leverkusen, Xhaka helped stabilize a transitional side, providing a critical link between defense and attack. In his final Bundesliga season, he recorded an 89% pass completion rate, averaged over 2 tackles and 1 interception per game, and consistently ranked among the league’s top passers under pressure.
But beyond the stats, Xhaka offers something even more valuable: leadership under fire. His time at Arsenal, though filled with ups and downs, saw him grow from a polarizing figure into one of the most respected dressing room voices in North London. His redemption arc at the Emirates, particularly under Mikel Arteta, is still spoken of with admiration.
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What This Means for Sunderland
Bringing in a player of Xhaka’s pedigree is a clear message to Sunderland fans: the club is back in the Premier League not just to survive, but to compete.
Owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus has already spoken publicly about raising the club’s ambitions, and the Xhaka deal is perhaps the most vivid illustration yet of Sunderland’s determination to build a side capable of thriving at the highest level.
Fans have responded with a mixture of excitement and disbelief. Social media has erupted with posts welcoming the Swiss international, with hashtags like #XhakaInRedAndWhite and #GranitJoinsTheLads trending regionally within minutes of the news breaking.
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What’s Next: Medical, Announcement, and Unveiling
Xhaka is due to land in the UK later today, with a medical scheduled at Sunderland’s training base. Barring any last-minute issues, the deal will be officially announced within 24 hours. He could even be in the squad for Sunderland’s next pre-season match, depending on fitness levels and coaching decisions.
The club is also expected to hold an official unveiling at the Stadium of Light, where Xhaka may be presented to fans in a public session. According to early reports, the club shop has already begun preparations for printing “XHAKA 34” shirts, with his traditional number expected to follow him from Arsenal and Leverkusen.
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A New Chapter Begins
Granit Xhaka’s move to Sunderland may be surprising, but it fits perfectly into the narrative of a club reborn and ambitious. With experience in top leagues, countless European nights under his belt, and a mentality forged in both triumph and adversity, Xhaka now becomes the centerpiece of Sunderland’s Premier League return.
As the Black Cats gear up for their biggest season in years, one thing is certain: with Granit Xhaka in midfield, they’re no longer just dreaming—they’re building.
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