Granit Xhaka Agrees Terms with Sunderland as Club Opens Fee Talks with Bayer Leverkusen
In one of the most surprising transfer developments of the summer, Granit Xhaka, the experienced Swiss international and current Bayer Leverkusen midfielder, has agreed personal terms with Sunderland AFC. The 32-year-old, who was instrumental in Leverkusen’s historic Bundesliga title win last season, now appears poised for a dramatic move to the Championship club — a twist few in world football saw coming.
According to sources close to the negotiations, Xhaka has given his full commitment to Sunderland’s ambitious project under manager Régis Le Bris, who took over this summer with a clear mandate to rebuild and lead the Black Cats back into the Premier League. Talks between Sunderland and Bayer Leverkusen over a potential transfer fee are now underway, with both clubs said to be optimistic that a deal can be struck in the coming days.
A Staggering Coup for the Black Cats
Sunderland’s pursuit of Xhaka represents a massive statement of intent from the club’s hierarchy. Since their return to the Championship, Sunderland have gradually been climbing back into contention, building a team around youthful energy and attacking flair. But signing a player of Xhaka’s pedigree and experience—a seasoned international with over 120 caps for Switzerland and leadership stints at Arsenal and Leverkusen—would be a monumental leap forward in both ambition and credibility.
What makes the potential transfer even more astonishing is Xhaka’s form in Germany. He was a key figure in Xabi Alonso’s revolution at Bayer Leverkusen, contributing not only with his passing range and tactical intelligence but also with vital goals and leadership on the pitch. Many expected Xhaka to remain in the Bundesliga, or at the very least move to a club competing in European competitions.
Instead, he now looks set to return to England, albeit with a club in the second tier. For Sunderland, this isn’t just a marquee signing—it’s a game-changer, potentially the type of move that could tilt the Championship promotion race.
Why Would Xhaka Consider Sunderland?
The question on many fans’ minds is simple: Why would Xhaka trade a title-contending Leverkusen side for a rebuilding project in the Championship?
The answer lies in a combination of factors:
1. The Project: Sunderland’s sporting director, Kristjaan Speakman, and new head coach Régis Le Bris are believed to have presented a bold, long-term vision to Xhaka, centered around returning to the Premier League within a season. The idea of leading such a project—being the central figure in a return to glory—may appeal to a player entering the twilight of his career.
2. The Role: At Leverkusen, Xhaka was vital last season but is reportedly not guaranteed a starting role in the coming campaign, with younger options like Exequiel Palacios and Robert Andrich emerging strongly. Sunderland, by contrast, are prepared to build their midfield around him, giving him both responsibility and freedom.
3. The Challenge: Known for his fiery personality and leadership traits, Xhaka has never been one to shy away from a challenge. Helping Sunderland return to the top flight could represent a fitting final chapter in his storied career.
4. Family and Lifestyle: A return to England, where Xhaka previously spent seven years with Arsenal, might also have personal motivations. His family is said to have enjoyed life in the UK, and the familiarity of the Premier League environment could be a draw.
What This Means for Sunderland
If the transfer is finalized, Xhaka would instantly become one of the most high-profile players in the Championship—a league already known for its competitiveness and unpredictability. His experience, passing ability, and set-piece quality could unlock a level of control in midfield that Sunderland sorely lacked during key moments last season.
Moreover, his presence would offer a valuable mentoring role to the club’s promising young talents such as Jobe Bellingham and Dan Neil, potentially accelerating their development.
Xhaka’s leadership qualities, forged through years of captaining club and country, could be invaluable in a long and grueling Championship campaign. It would not be a stretch to call this one of the most impactful signings in the division in recent memory, should it come to fruition.
Leverkusen’s Position
From Bayer Leverkusen’s perspective, the potential sale of Xhaka is both surprising and understandable. While he was pivotal to their 2023–24 title-winning campaign, manager Xabi Alonso has been reshaping the squad with younger, more dynamic players in midfield. The club is also rumored to be targeting additional reinforcements, and freeing up Xhaka’s wages—reportedly among the highest at the club—could aid that effort.
Leverkusen are not expected to demand an exorbitant fee. Initial reports suggest Sunderland could secure the Swiss midfielder for a fee in the range of €6–8 million, potentially rising with add-ons.
Fans React
Unsurprisingly, the reaction among Sunderland fans has been electric. Social media is buzzing with excitement, disbelief, and cautious optimism. For a fanbase that has endured its fair share of ups and downs in recent years, the arrival of a player like Granit Xhaka feels like a turning point.
“Signing Xhaka shows we mean business,” one supporter wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “This isn’t just about promotion—it’s about building a Premier League-ready squad now.”
Arsenal supporters, meanwhile, have also chimed in, expressing surprise and nostalgia. Many remember Xhaka’s polarizing time in North London, where he went from scapegoat to cult hero, eventually earning widespread respect for his professionalism and determination.
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What’s Next?
With personal terms agreed, the final hurdle remains: reaching an agreement on the transfer fee. Talks between Sunderland and Bayer Leverkusen are said to be progressing well, and there is optimism that an agreement can be finalized before the weekend.
If all goes as planned, Xhaka could arrive in Sunderland for his medical early next week, potentially joining the squad in time for the opening fixtures of the Championship season.
For now, Sunderland fans will be holding their breath, hoping this dream move turns into reality—and perhaps signals the dawn of a new era at the Stadium of Light.
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