Sunderland are reportedly exploring a move to sign Bayer Leverkusen’s Granit Xhaka, a former Arsenal captain, in an ambitious bid to bolster their midfield for their Premier League return. The 32-year-old Swiss international, with three years left on his Leverkusen contract, is also attracting interest from Saudi Arabia’s Neom SC. Negotiations are ongoing, with a potential transfer fee around €10m (£8.6m), and Sunderland have offered Xhaka a three-year deal.
BREAKING: Sunderland are exploring an ambitious move to sign Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka 🚨
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) July 16, 2025
Xhaka has three years left on his Leverkusen deal but could be allowed to leave this window. pic.twitter.com/XUFruyLX9P
Background
Sunderland, newly promoted to the Premier League after winning the Championship play-off final against Sheffield United, are making waves in the transfer market. According to Sky Sports, the Black Cats are pursuing a sensational move for Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka, aiming to add his experience to their youthful squad. Xhaka, who played a pivotal role in Leverkusen’s 2023-24 Bundesliga title and DFB-Pokal triumph, is seen as a key target to spearhead Sunderland’s bid to stay in the top flight.
Granit Xhaka’s Profile
Granit Xhaka, now 32, brings a wealth of experience with 137 caps for Switzerland and a storied career at Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen. During his seven-year stint at Arsenal from 2016 to 2023, he made 297 appearances, scored 23 goals, and won two FA Cups. Since joining Leverkusen in 2023 for £21m, Xhaka has been a cornerstone of their success, making 99 appearances and missing just one match in the 2024-25 Bundesliga season, where Leverkusen finished second. Known for his leadership, reliability, and versatility in midfield, Xhaka fits the profile of the experienced player Sunderland’s manager Régis Le Bris is seeking.
Two years ago today, Granit Xhaka sent the North Bank mad 🚀🚀🚀pic.twitter.com/v6UjqWZ260
— Gunners (@Gunnersc0m) October 1, 2024
Transfer Context and Competition
Sunderland’s interest in Xhaka comes as they look to replace Jobe Bellingham, who was sold to Borussia Dortmund for £32m earlier this summer. The club has already been active, securing players like Enzo Le Fée (£20m, permanent from Roma), Noah Sadiki (£17.5m from Union Saint-Gilloise), and Chemsdine Talbi (£19m from Club Brugge). A potential €10m deal for Xhaka is under discussion, with club owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus leading talks with Leverkusen, though BILD reports the German club could demand up to €20m. Sunderland face competition from Saudi Arabia’s Neom SC, who have signed former Premier League players like Alexandre Lacazette and Saïd Benrahma, but recent reports suggest Neom SC have shifted focus to Lyon’s Corentin Tolisso after setbacks in their pursuit of Xhaka.
💰✨ Newly promoted Premier League side Sunderland have made 6 permanent signings so far this summer. 🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/U25bZdxMT2
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) July 11, 2025
Implications for Sunderland
Landing Xhaka would be a major coup for Sunderland, marking one of their most high-profile signings as they prepare for the 2025-26 Premier League season. His Premier League pedigree and leadership could provide stability to a young squad, though his adaptation to a relegation-threatened side with a different tactical approach compared to Arsenal and Leverkusen remains a challenge. Leverkusen’s sporting director, Simon Rolfes, has indicated a quick decision on Xhaka’s future is expected, but the club may allow him to leave if the price is right, with a fee in the €10m-€20m range.