Sunderland, freshly promoted via the Championship play-offs, have agreed a £17 million deal to sign former Arsenal skipper Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen — a move that could have major implications for Leeds United’s Premier League survival hopes.
The Black Cats have already spent over £100 million this summer, bringing in Habib Diarra, Simon Adingra, Chemsdine Talbi, Enzo Le Fée, and Noah Sadiki, while also securing Reinildo Mandava on a free transfer.
Now, they’re closing in on another statement signing, with Xhaka — who joined Leverkusen from Arsenal in July 2023 for £21.4 million — set to return to English football. The 32-year-old Switzerland captain has made 99 appearances for the Bundesliga side, contributing six goals and nine assists.
Despite their aggressive recruitment, Sunderland are still tipped for a relegation battle, with many expecting them to be direct rivals to fellow newcomers Leeds United in the fight to avoid the drop.
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