Xhaka returns to the Premier League: Sunderland signs the ex-Arsenal player from Bayer Leverkusen

Sunderland Strengthens its Squad with Granit Xhaka for the Premier League

Sunderland have secured the signing of midfielder Granit Xhaka, formerly of Arsenal, as they prepare for their return to the Premier League. Xhaka, 32, joins the team for a fee close to 17 million pounds (22.7 million dollars), marking his return to England after two successful years at Bayer Leverkusen. The captain of the Swiss national team played a crucial role in the historic Bundesliga title and the double victory in the DFB-Pokal in the 2023-24 season with Xabi Alonso’s team.

“I am very proud to be here,” Xhaka declared. “When I spoke with the club, I felt excited and perceived the energy and mentality of all the people and players. It’s exactly what I wanted, and I have very good feelings.”

Granit Xhaka

“We are back where this club needs to be, and we want to stay here to write our own history. I feel like I am ready to help the team with my experience, but also with quality”.

Granit Xhaka

“We need to meet on the field, but I don’t think this will be a big problem. He has been waiting a long time, but now I am here and I am looking forward to it”.

Granit Xhaka

Former Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka joins Sunderland.Sunderland prepares for its first Premier League season since its relegation in the 2016-17 campaign. They secured their return to the top flight after defeating Sheffield United 2-1 in the playoff final in May.

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Xhaka played 297 official matches with Arsenal, a team of which he was also captain, and won two FA Cups. “His arrival is a significant endorsement of our ambition and our desire to build a team that our fans can be proud of in the Premier League,” said Kristjaan Speakman, Sunderland’s sporting director. “His achievements and quality need no introduction; he is a player of the highest caliber on and off the field, who we believe fits perfectly with the profile required in our team.”