Xhaka Returns to England, Joins Sunderland from LeverkusenLondon, 30 Jul (ONA) — Switzerland midfielder Granit Xhaka has joined
promoted Premier League side Sunderland from Germany’s Bayer
Leverkusen on a three-year contract, both clubs said today.
No details were given, but Leverkusen said that Sunderland had
“accepted the transfer conditions” set by them for the 32-year-old to
move on despite a contract until 2028.
Leverkusen reportedly wanted ($23.5 million) for Xhaka,
who now returns to England where he played at Arsenal for seven years
between 2016 and 2023.
During his two years in Leverkusen, Xhaka helped them win a first
Bundesliga title and the German Cup in the memorable 2023-24 campaign
in which the team’s only defeat came in the Europa League final
against Atalanta.
Xhaka is the fourth prominent player to leave Leverkusen, following
playmaker Florian Wirtz and full back Jeremie Frimpong’s departure
for Liverpool, and centre back Jonathan Tah joining Bayern Munich.
Coach Xabi Alonso has also left, for Real Madrid, with Erik ten Hag
now in charge.
— Ends/Khalid