Granit Xhaka completes his move to Sunderland

Former Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka has officially returned to the Premier League, joining newly promoted Sunderland for the 2025/26 football season.

Sunderland announced the signing of Granit Xhaka on their website today, Wednesday, July 30, 2025. This marks the Swiss international’s first return to England’s top flight since his 2023 departure from Arsenal to play for Bayer Leverkusen in Germany.

Last week, the english side finalized personal terms with the former Gunners midfielder. The 32-year-old has committed to a three-year contract, a move expected to significantly bolster their efforts to remain in the Premier League. Reports indicate the transfer fee is around £17.3 million, comprising an initial £13 million and up to £4.3 million in performance-related add-ons.

Xhaka shared his enthusiasm about joining Sunderland, stating: “I’m incredibly proud to be here. My discussions with the club, the energy I felt, and the mentality of everyone involved – from the staff to the players – truly excited me. This is precisely what I was looking for, and I have a great feeling about it. We’re bringing this club back to where it belongs, and we’re determined to establish ourselves here and create our own legacy.”

He added: “I’m prepared to contribute my experience and quality to the team. We’ll need to develop our on-pitch understanding, but I don’t anticipate that being a major issue. It’s been a long wait, but I’m finally here and I’m eager to get started.”

Last season, Xhaka featured in 33 Bundesliga matches, scoring two goals and providing seven assists. Prior to his time at Leverkusen, he made 297 appearances for Arsenal, registering 23 goals and 26 assists.

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