Sky Sports News understands that Sunderland’s deal for Granit Xhaka is worth around £17 million, with an initial £13 million payment and up to £4 million in performance-based add-ons.
The newly promoted Premier League side reached a personal agreement with the 32-year-old former Arsenal midfielder last week. Xhaka is set to sign a three-year contract, bringing a wealth of top-level experience to Sunderland’s midfield.
To seal the move, Sunderland increased their bid by £7 million, which helped push negotiations over the line. Xhaka has now been cleared to travel to England to undergo a medical.
Last season, Xhaka featured 33 times in the Bundesliga, scoring two goals and providing seven assists for Bayer Leverkusen. Prior to his time in Germany, he made 297 appearances for Arsenal, contributing 23 goals and 26 assists.
Leverkusen manager Erik ten Hag had initially ruled out Xhaka’s exit, especially after high-profile sales of Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong to Liverpool and Jonathan Tah to Bayern Munich.
“The club has already let three key players go,” said Ten Hag. “We can’t afford to lose any more — that would compromise the squad’s balance and identity. Granit is a leader and has three years left on his deal. He’s too important.”
Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes echoed the sentiment:
“Granit is a vital presence in the squad. The coach and I both agree on his importance.”
Sunderland have now spent £107 million this summer on six new additions.
Analysis: Why Xhaka Could Be the Key to Sunderland’s Survival
Sky Sports’ Sam Blitz writes:
For clubs making the leap to the Premier League, experience at the top level is vital — and while Sunderland’s capture of Simon Adingra was a strong start, adding Granit Xhaka could be transformative.
Though his time at Arsenal was controversial, one constant remained: every manager — from Wenger to Arteta — relied on him, even after incidents like his fallout with fans and being stripped of the captaincy under Unai Emery.
The reason? Xhaka is the heartbeat of every midfield he’s part of. At Leverkusen, his control and calm were crucial in their historic league and cup double during his debut campaign. Even in a less successful season last term, he stood out.
Only Joshua Kimmich completed more open-play passes and final-third deliveries, while Xhaka’s 90% pass accuracy showed his composure and trustworthiness on the ball.
Sunderland may not dominate possession like Arsenal or Leverkusen, but Xhaka’s leadership — both as a former Arsenal captain and part of Leverkusen’s leadership core — could be exactly what the Black Cats need to stay afloat.
If this deal crosses the line, it could be the most important signing of Sunderland’s new era.
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