Bayer Leverkusen’s new coach had wanted to keep the Swiss midfielder.
Granit Xhaka is back in English football. The Swiss midfielder has left Bayer Leverkusen to join Sunderland.
Sunderland, promoted from last season’s English Championship to this season’s Premier League, announced on Wednesday that they have signed Xhaka on a three-year contract. According to media reports, the club spent £17.3 million to secure his services.
After spending seven years at Arsenal, Xhaka joined Leverkusen in 2023. In his debut season, he played a key role in helping the club win its first Bundesliga title. Leverkusen also qualified for the Europa League that season.
However, last season, the German club couldn’t maintain their winning momentum and finished as runners-up, trailing the champions Bayern Munich by a wide margin.
Leverkusen’s new coach, Erik ten Hag, had expressed his desire to keep Xhaka. Just about a week ago, he said he absolutely did not want to let go of such a “very important” player for the team.
The 32-year-old Xhaka played 225 Premier League matches for Arsenal, winning two FA Cups with the North London club.
Xhaka and Sunderland will kick off their Premier League journey on August 16 with a home match against West Ham United.
