Granit Xhaka has officially completed his transfer from Bayer Leverkusen to Sunderland, signing a three-year contract with the newly promoted Premier League side. The Swiss international joins the Black Cats for a €20 million package deal, marking his return to English football after two successful seasons in Germany.
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano confirmed the completion of the move with his announcement: “Official, confirmed. Granit Xhaka joined Sunderland on a €20m package deal from Bayer Leverkusen. Three year deal for the midfielder.” Sunderland have secured a major coup in their return to the Premier League, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirming that Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka is set to join the Black Cats in a €20 million (£17.5m) deal.
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Granit Xhaka will sign his contract with Sunderland on Tuesday, July 29, after completing his medical with the club. The move represents one of the most surprising transfers of the summer window, with few expecting the former Arsenal captain to drop down to a newly promoted side.
Medical Completed Successfully
Granit Xhaka arrived in Sunderland ahead of his £13m move to the Black Cats, completing his comprehensive medical examination without any complications. Granit Xhaka has arrived in the UK to undergo a medical, clearing the final hurdle for the transfer to be officially announced.
The timing of the medical and contract signing allows Xhaka to integrate immediately with Sunderland’s pre-season preparations as they gear up for their return to Premier League football.
Fee Structure and Contract Details
Sky Sports News understands the fee is in the region of £17m, costing Sunderland an initial £13m with up to £4m in add-ons. An agreement between Leverkusen and Sunderland has been reached for a fee of €20 million including bonuses, making it one of Sunderland’s most expensive signings in their history.
Granit Xhaka has reached a full verbal agreement with Sunderland on a deal until 2028, with the option for a further year. However, recent confirmations suggest the contract runs for three years as announced by Romano, providing long-term stability for both player and club.
Player’s Determination to Join
Sunderland are close to signing Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen; the 32-year-old has three years left on his Leverkusen deal, but his desire to return to English football proved decisive in completing the transfer. Bayer 04 Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes has reacted to reports that Granit Xhaka has lodged a Sunderland transfer request.
The Swiss midfielder’s eagerness to experience Premier League football again, combined with Sunderland’s ambitious project, convinced him to make the surprising move to the Stadium of Light.
Competition from Saudi Arabia
Sunderland are interested in signing Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen; the 32-year-old has three years left on his current deal; Sunderland face competition from Saudi Arabia for the ex-Arsenal midfielder. Despite lucrative offers from the Middle East, Xhaka chose to return to English football rather than pursue financial gain in Saudi Arabia.
His decision to prioritize sporting ambition over financial rewards demonstrates his commitment to continuing his career at the highest competitive level in European football.
Bundesliga Success with Leverkusen
Xhaka has 137 caps for Switzerland and won the Bundesliga title with Leverkusen, having been instrumental in their historic unbeaten season. Xhaka was a crucial part of Leverkusen’s Invincible 2023/24 Bundesliga title triumph, starting all but two of their 34 games as well as featuring prominently in their DFB Pokal victory and their run to the Europa League final that season.
His leadership and experience during Leverkusen’s treble-winning campaign established him as one of the Bundesliga’s most influential midfielders, making his departure a significant loss for the German champions.
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Return to Premier League
He last played in England with Arsenal, where he spent seven seasons before moving to Leverkusen in 2023. His return to English football brings Premier League experience and international quality to Sunderland’s midfield as they prepare for the challenges of top-flight football.
The 32-year-old’s leadership qualities and tactical intelligence will prove invaluable for Sunderland’s young squad as they adapt to Premier League demands following their Championship promotion.
Sunderland’s Ambitious Statement
The signing represents Sunderland’s most ambitious transfer coup since their return to the Premier League, demonstrating their serious intentions for the upcoming season. Xhaka’s arrival sends a strong message about the club’s determination to establish themselves in England’s top flight rather than merely survive relegation.
His experience in high-pressure situations, both domestically and internationally, provides Sunderland with a proven winner who can guide their younger players through the demanding Premier League campaign ahead.
With his transfer now complete, Granit Xhaka begins a new chapter in his career at the Stadium of Light, bringing his wealth of experience and winning mentality to Sunderland’s ambitious Premier League project.
