Sunderland Agree To $23.3M Fee For Leverkusen's Granit Xhaka

Sunderland AFC has sent a resounding message across the Premier League landscape, agreeing to a fee worth up to $23.3 million for Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka. This landmark acquisition, comprising $20.7 million upfront and $2.6 million in potential add-ons, signifies the newly-promoted club's most ambitious and significant move of the summer transfer window. The 32-year-old Switzerland captain is scheduled for a medical within the next 24 to 48 hours, a swift progression after Xhaka reportedly informed Leverkusen that the Stadium of Light was his sole desired destination, despite fielding interest from other German clubs and lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia. His decision to commit to Sunderland, even while under contract with the Bundesliga champions until 2028, underscores the pulling power of the Premier League and perhaps, the persuasive vision presented by the Black Cats' hierarchy.

Xhaka arrives at Sunderland at the peak of his powers, fresh off a historic double-winning season with Bayer Leverkusen, where he was instrumental in their maiden Bundesliga title and DFB-Pokal triumph. His tenure in Germany, though brief since joining from Arsenal in 2023, saw him make 99 appearances, including a crucial 10 in the Champions League last season, showcasing his elite-level experience and enduring quality. Before his successful stint in Germany, Xhaka spent seven years as a pivotal figure at Arsenal, amassing 297 appearances and lifting the FA Cup twice in 2017 and 2020. This rich pedigree, encompassing extensive Premier League experience, European competition, and a proven track record of leadership as a national team captain, makes him an invaluable asset for a side aiming to cement its place back in England's top flight. His arrival is not just about raw talent, but about injecting a winning mentality and a seasoned calmness into the heart of Sunderland's midfield.

This blockbuster signing represents a significant pivot from Sunderland’s previously youth-centric transfer policy under owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus. Historically, the club has focused on acquiring promising young talent with high resale value, evidenced by the 25-year-old Enzo Le Fee being their eldest acquisition prior to Xhaka. However, the Black Cats have demonstrated remarkable financial muscle this summer, investing over $138 million across six new players, including Xhaka. This aggressive spending spree has been partly facilitated by substantial player sales, most notably midfielder Jobe Bellingham’s $41.4 million move to Borussia Dortmund and Tommy Watson’s $13.8 million transfer to Brighton. The strategic shift to blend youthful potential with proven, experienced campaigners like Xhaka signals an unequivocal intent to avoid a quick return to the Championship. As Sunderland prepares to kick off their Premier League campaign at home against West Ham United on August 16, the message is clear: they are not just here to participate, but to compete, with Granit Xhaka leading the charge.