Granit Xhaka Eyes Stunning Premier League Comeback After Rejecting Saudi Arabia Move

Granit Xhaka could be heading back to the Premier League, with Championship winners Sunderland reportedly pursuing the Swiss midfielder's services.

The 32-year-old concluded his seven-season tenure at Arsenal by moving to Bayer Leverkusen in summer 2023, where he became an integral component of the squad that claimed the Bundesliga championship under Xabi Alonso's guidance.

Despite remaining crucial for Leverkusen—starting in 47 of his 49 matches during the previous campaign—there's speculation that Xhaka might be permitted to depart for an appropriate fee this transfer window. Following Saudi club Neom's withdrawal from negotiations, Sunderland now has an opportunity.

The Athletic reports that Sunderland's next phase in their bold recruitment strategy involves bringing Xhaka back to England's premier division as they seek to strengthen a midfield that saw Jobe Bellingham, sibling of Real Madrid's Jude, transfer to Borussia Dortmund.

The ex-Arsenal skipper's expertise, both in elite football generally and the Premier League particularly, is appreciated by Sunderland boss Régis Le Bris to mentor his youthful roster and assist the club's recent acquisitions in adapting.

Sunderland have already invested more than £100 million ($134.1 million) acquiring Simon Adingra, Habib Diarra, Enzo Le Fée, Noah Sadiki and Chemsdine Talbi. While they hope Xhaka will follow, Fabrizio Romano indicates they've also contacted Napoli regarding another ex-Premier League midfielder, André-Frank Zambo Anguissa.

Leverkusen are urging Xhaka to make a swift decision about his future, with sporting director Simon Rolfes cautioning the midfielder that time is running short before they'll cease considering departures.

"Naturally, we're currently in the stage of finalizing our roster, that's clear," Rolfes informed BILD. "Granit has a significant role in this, which means it certainly won't become a matter that continues throughout the whole transfer period.

"There will be additional squad modifications overall. However, eventually, the team must be 95% finalized, and Granit is a vital element of that. Therefore, a resolution will definitely come sooner than later."