Sunderland have received a significant boost in their ambitious pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen’s Granit Xhaka, with Saudi club NEOM SC withdrawing from negotiations, according to The Northern Echo. The Black Cats, newly promoted to the Premier League for the 2025/26 season, are keen to secure the services of the former Arsenal captain to add experience and leadership to their squad, and the latest development has cleared a major hurdle in their chase for the 32-year-old Swiss international.
NEOM SC, who previously outbid Sunderland for goalkeeper Marcin Bulka earlier this summer, had been in talks with Leverkusen but have now pulled out, unwilling to meet the Bundesliga club’s valuation of over €8 million (£6.9m), as reported by transfer specialist Sacha Tavolieri. This leaves Sunderland as a frontrunner, though they still face competition from Turkish giants Fenerbahçe, who have also held initial discussions with Leverkusen. Despite this, there remains a possibility that Xhaka could stay with the German side, where he has three years left on his contract.
🚨🔴⚪️ Sunderland are working on Granit Xhaka deal but also made direct approach to Frank Zambo-Anguissa’s agent on Wednesday.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 16, 2025
Napoli already offered Anguissa to sign new deal with club confident to get the green light soon and sign until 2028. 💙 pic.twitter.com/oG04swnfSi
Sunderland’s interest
Sunderland’s interest in Xhaka, reported by Sky Sports, reflects their bold transfer strategy under manager Regis Le Bris. The club has already signed six players this summer, including midfielders Habib Diarra (£30m from Strasbourg), Noah Sadiki, and Enzo Le Fee (whose loan from Lens was made permanent), as well as winger Simon Adingra (£20m from Brighton), full-back Reinildo (free from Atletico Madrid), and attacker Chemsdine Talbi. The sale of Jobe Bellingham to Borussia Dortmund for £32m has provided funds to reinvest, but Xhaka’s potential arrival would be a marquee coup, bringing Premier League pedigree and leadership to a young squad.
Xhaka's Background
Xhaka, who made 297 appearances for Arsenal, winning two FA Cups and two Community Shields, was a key figure in Leverkusen’s 2023/24 Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double under Xabi Alonso, missing just one match last season as they finished second in the Bundesliga. His 90% pass accuracy and ability to dictate play, with only Joshua Kimmich surpassing him in open-play passes and final-third balls last term, make him a metronomic presence in midfield. European football expert Raphael Honigstein praised Xhaka’s impact at Leverkusen, noting, “Alonso effectively built a team around him... He’s been one reason why they’ve gone from a very good team to a superb side.”
A brilliant Granit Xhaka goal against Leeds, two years ago today 👏👏👏pic.twitter.com/KkY86ixndi
— Gunners (@Gunnersc0m) April 1, 2025
Sunderland’s recruitment team, led by owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, has offered Xhaka a three-year contract, with talks ongoing over a potential €10m (£8.5m) deal, though German outlet Kicker suggests Leverkusen could demand up to €20m (£17.3m). Leverkusen’s sporting director, Simon Rolfes, indicated that a decision on Xhaka’s future is imminent, stating, “There is interest, but nothing has become concrete so far... Granit plays an important role, so there will definitely be a decision sooner rather than later.” Xhaka himself, speaking ahead of Switzerland’s friendly against Mexico, acknowledged the uncertainty, saying, “Whether it’s with or without me is another question. But as of today, I’m here.”
Challenges for Sunderland
While Sunderland’s interest in Xhaka is a bold move, they face challenges. Fenerbahçe’s interest and the possibility of Xhaka staying at Leverkusen, where he remains a leader despite the departures of Alonso, Florian Wirtz, and Jeremie Frimpong, could complicate matters. Additionally, Sunderland have explored other midfield options, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that they contacted Napoli’s Frank Zambo-Anguissa’s agent, though positive contract talks with Napoli have dimmed hopes of that move.
For Sunderland, landing Xhaka would be a statement of intent as they aim to avoid relegation. His 137 caps for Switzerland and experience as Arsenal’s captain and Leverkusen’s leadership group member would provide invaluable stability for Le Bris’ youthful side. As the Black Cats continue their transfer push, including interest in Bologna’s Jhon Lucumi and Leicester’s Bilal El Khannouss, Xhaka’s potential arrival could be the cornerstone of their Premier League survival bid. With negotiations progressing and NEOM SC out of the race, Sunderland fans will be hopeful that their club can secure the Swiss star’s signature before the season kicks off.