Granit Xhaka Set for Stunning Premier League Comeback as Agent Seals Deal
Granit Xhaka is nearing an unexpected return to the Premier League, with the Swiss midfielder having struck a deal with newly-promoted Sunderland.
Xhaka dedicated seven seasons to Arsenal, making nearly 300 appearances for the Gunners before departing to join Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen in 2023.
The tenacious midfielder has flourished during his time in Germany, contributing significantly to Leverkusen's remarkable undefeated 2023–24 campaign. Nevertheless, this summer has brought significant changes to Die Werkself, with Alonso taking over from Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid and Leverkusen bringing in former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag as his successor.
Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong are among the notable players from Alonso's era who have departed, and Xhaka may be the next to leave the German outfit.
The 32-year-old has drawn attention from Saudi Pro League teams and Italian powerhouse Milan, but his representative, Jose Noguera, has indicated that Xhaka is most attracted to Sunderland's offer. Régis Le Bris led the Black Cats back to the Premier League for the first time since 2017 after securing victory in the Championship playoff final in May.
"We have established a preliminary agreement with Sunderland," Noguera informed Sky Sports Austria. "Granit is eager to return to the Premier League. Sunderland excites him, and he's ready to embrace this opportunity."
The Black Cats have been extremely active in the transfer window following their promotion, currently ranking as the sixth-biggest spenders among Premier League sides. They've already strengthened their midfield by acquiring Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki alongside the permanent capture of Enzo Le Fée.
Having secured an agreement with Xhaka, they must now negotiate a transfer fee with Leverkusen, considering the midfielder's contract with the German side runs until 2028.
"We're optimistic that Leverkusen will approve his transfer request and that both clubs will finalize an agreement shortly," Noguera concluded.