Sunderland have confirmed the signing of Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen.
The 32-year-old midfielder joins the newly-promoted Premier League club in a deal worth €15 million plus add-ons.
He reportedly turned down offers from elsewhere after informing Leverkusen that he only wanted a move to Wearside.
Xhaka returns to the Premier League after two successful seasons in the Bundesliga, where he played a key role in Leverkusen’s unbeaten domestic 2023/24 campaign.
He made 47 appearances in all competitions during that historic season, helping Xabi Alonso’s side lift both the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal.
Xhaka previously spent seven years at Arsenal, where he won two FA Cups. He was a regular for the Gunners under multiple managers and captained the side briefly.
Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris said Xhaka’s arrival sends ‘a massive statement’ about the club’s direction and ambitions.
He praised the midfielder’s experience and leadership, describing him as a key piece in building a squad capable of competing in the top flight.
Xhaka is Sunderland’s seventh major signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Simon Adingra, Reinildo Mandava, Habib Diarra, Enzo Le Fee, Noah Sadiki and Chemsdine Talbi.
The club is undergoing a significant rebuild ahead of their return to the Premier League and is blending promising young players with experienced internationals.
Xhaka made his international debut for Switzerland in 2011 and has since earned 137 caps, captaining the side since 2020.
He was part of the team at the 2024 European Championship and remains a vital figure for his national side heading into the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman described Xhaka’s signing as ‘a significant endorsement’ of the club’s project and ambitions in the top flight.
Xhaka will take a central role in Le Bris’ midfield, offering both tactical discipline and big-game experience.
