Sunderland Acquires Granit Xhaka
Sunderland has officially acquired Granit Xhaka, a former Arsenal player, as they gear up for their upcoming season in the Premier League. The Swiss international, who is 32 years old, has joined the club for a fee estimated at around £17 million (about $22.7 million). This transfer marks Xhaka’s return to English football after a highly successful two-year stint with Bayer Leverkusen, where he played a pivotal role in leading the team to a historic unbeaten Bundesliga title and the DFB-Pokal trophy during the 2023-24 season under coach Xabi Alonso.
Player’s Enthusiasm
Expressing his enthusiasm about the move, Xhaka stated, “I’m very proud to be here. The conversations I had with the club filled me with excitement; I could really feel the energy and mentality that both the staff and players bring. This is exactly what I was looking for, and I’m eager to contribute with my experience and quality.”
Sunderland’s Recent History
Sunderland’s recent history has been challenging; they are set to return to the Premier League for the first time since being relegated in the 2016-17 season. They secured their promotion back to the top tier by narrowly defeating Sheffield United 2-1 in the playoff final held in May.
Xhaka’s Impact
With a total of 297 appearances for Arsenal—and serving as club captain during his tenure—Xhaka’s pedigree is well recognized. Sunderland’s sporting director, Kristjaan Speakman, commented on the significance of Xhaka’s signing for the club’s aspirations:
“His presence exemplifies our ambition to create a team that our fans can take pride in while competing in the Premier League. He is an exceptional player who meets the specific needs of our squad, both in skill and leadership.”
Looking Ahead
As Sunderland prepares for this new chapter in their Premier League journey, they aim to establish themselves and create a new legacy.
